Recently I was given the opportunity to be away from the office to attend the 2016 Multicultural Women's National Conference presented by Working Mother. Women, and men, from companies from around the country came together to learn how to be better leaders.
The theme was music to my ears. I love having create your opportunities conversations. The theme was Rise Up. Reach Up. Own Every Opportunity.
Nestled throughout the day were empowering speakers, thought leaders, and working professionals sharing words of wisdom to make us a better leader.
As I listened, I wrote feverishly to note as much as I possibly could. Much of what I wrote I planned to use to not only help make me a better leader, but to also share what I learned with others.
My initial thought was to share what I learned with my work colleagues. This blog is the proof that I decided to expand my reach to you.
Words of Wisdom to Make You a Better Leader
What follows are what I am calling, Words of Wisdom to Make You a Better Leader. Take these words and put them into action. Use them in your work life, as a mentor, in your fraternity or sorority, or any other place where you have an opportunity to lead.
Even if you do not believe you are a leader or in the place of leadership, I bet you will find something that will help you.
Rise up. Challenge yourself.
Reach out by asking questions.
Own your opportunities by embracing them.
Chaos is a time to embrace opportunities.
You can lead from any seat.
Relationships do no diminish. Invest in building relationships.
Don't get skipped over. Make sure people know who you are. Build relationships because how many people will speak up for someone they do not know?
Fear has no place in your success equation.
Failure always brings you a gift – experience.
Be intentional. If you do not ask, you will not receive.
Be decisive.
Constantly reinvent yourself.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of strength.
You have choices, therefore it is within your power to make the choice that is right for you.
Do not let managers limit you.
Do not get hung up with your title. If you have a sense of fulfillment and if you believe you are earning what you deserve, then your title is the right title for you.
Help to open doors for people who do not have access to role models.
Own you career. Own what you want to do. Own what you want to learn. Be responsible for your own path.
Self promote even if it makes you feel uncomfortable.
Be proactive about promoting your accomplishments.
Become your best advocate.
Be authentic. Be the best at being yourself rather than trying to be like someone else.
Do not self neglect, toot your own horn.
Be proud of who you are. Do not allow others to define you.
Find your voice and use it. Speak up and out.
Be conscious that your voice can give voice to others.
Be a model to others to help them learn what is possible.
You are interviewing for your next job at your current job. Do this job better and smarter.
Care and feed your network. It is a lifeline.
Start the Discussion: What words of wisdom do you have to help make someone a better leader? Share it in post comments below.