Let's talk about leadership—a concept often misunderstood and mistakenly thought to be exclusive to the world of business.
When people are asked to define leadership, they often picture it with someone in a position of power telling people what to do. But this limited thinking, focused on titles, hierarchies, and influence, overlooks the true essence of leadership and hinders progress. It creates barriers that hinder individuals from showcasing and pursuing their leadership abilities, limits their possibilities, and reinforces harmful stereotypes.
So, What’s A Better Way to Define Leadership?
Brené Brown eloquently defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes, and has the courage to develop that potential.” I love this definition because it transcends traditional views of leadership, focusing instead on recognizing and nurturing the potential of others, empowering them, and fostering their growth.
I want to expand on her definition and emphasize the impact of developing our own leadership potential regardless of our role or profession. Leadership is more than just guiding others; it involves self-awareness, growth, and accountability. It's about continuous learning, self-development, and empowering others. By embracing this broader view of leadership, we unlock our own potential and positively influence those around us. This becomes a transformative journey of personal and collective growth, transcending boundaries and embracing new possibilities.
Regardless of whether you're an artist, a mother, or pursuing a different path, I want to inspire you to explore your leadership abilities so you can have a more enriching and inspiring life. I’d like to share an inspiring personal journey that illustrates the transformative power of embracing leadership as a way to improve one’s life.
An inspiring illustration
I recently worked with a client seeking help to overcome feelings of being stuck, dissatisfaction, and lacking passion. Together, we explored the close connection between personal growth, fulfillment, and leadership development. It was an exciting journey of self-discovery and empowerment, and what she discovered was remarkable. Through clarifying her core values and strengths, and setting a vision, she found that her passion for art making became a profound source of inspiration. She embraced her strengths without fear and self-criticism which has helped her reconnect with her authentic self, reigniting her passion for life. Now she is fueled by a strong sense of confidence and self-belief and is fearlessly pursuing her true aspirations, channeling her talents into meaningful action and beautiful art.
We made it a point to really focus on strength-based mindfulness exercises and implement personalized leadership strategies that were tailored specifically for her. These techniques helped her build a calmer and more focused state of mind, which not only reduced her anxiety but also helped her break free from the grip of self-doubt, what she calls her "monkey mind." It's amazing to see the transformation. Now, when she faces tough situations that used to stress her out, she handles them with confidence, clarity, and calmness.
Connecting Leadership to Interests and Passions:
Through her art, writing, and other creative pursuits, she discovered a profound way to express herself. This transformation not only increased her confidence and overall sense of happiness but also had a positive impact on her collaboration efforts. For her, connecting deeply with others and improving relationships became a top priority. She made a sincere commitment to becoming more understanding, patient, and caring, not just within her family circle but with everyone she interacts with. She recognized that her personal growth journey had to focus on developing and practicing more compassion and nurturing positive supportive relationships.
Now, what's even more remarkable is how she has come to deeply appreciate the importance of having a clear vision, making solid plans, and maintaining a positive mindset. These aspects have become guiding principles for her. As a result, she now possesses greater confidence in her decision-making abilities and is less triggered by the opinions and pressures of others. She remains dedicated to staying true to herself and focused on her own unique path. In fact, she firmly believes in the power of manifestation and her own ability to bring about positive outcomes through the skills she has cultivated. In her own words, she shares, "When I wholeheartedly pursue what genuinely interests and excites me, I find a profound sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, free from impostor syndrome." It's truly inspiring to witness her growth and see the impact it has made on her life.
Embrace your unique journey and remember that leadership transcends conventional definitions. Be the leader you aspire to be and inspire others to do the same. As women, we have the incredible capacity for compassion, lead with authenticity, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
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