What are your three top leadership lessons?

This morning, I had the honour of joining a fabulous panel discussion on navigating career pathways in STEM in a fabulous conference, Public Sector Women in STEM Leadership Summit 2022 by The Hatchery. I was joined by two new friends who works at a government science agency, and another who is a digital disruptor and actress - and the conversation was engaging, thought-provoking and fun.

The last question that we were each asked is one which was surprisingly easy and hard at the same time - and one which I would now like to pose back to you, dear reader: what are your top three leadership lessons?

No matter what your age, career stage, life experience or current sock colour, I firmly believe that you’re in possession of leadership lessons. We all are - for we are all interacting and influencing the world around us, forming and holding vision and deciding upon strategies, having opinions and making things happen.

Having reflected upon these for some time, I’d like to share with you what mine are as of today - noting that I’ll probably have different ones by the end of the month, and definitely so by the end of the year!

One: Let leadership change you

There is the leader, and there is the leadership. These are two distinct but interrelated, inseparable concepts, both of which are in constant evolution. Being a leader is influenced by your leadership, just as much as your leadership is influenced by you as a leader.

If there’s one thing which I would wholeheartedly recommend, from the depths of my soul, it’s to consciously allow yourself to evolve as a leader, and when you take on leadership in any way (small or big), consciously open yourself up to the evolution of yourself through this.

Authenticity and wholeness are increasingly noted as effective parts of the framework of what makes leadership effective. Yet, something talked about less is the power of being a leader shaping and changing who you are.

Two: Ground yourself in your values and your vision, then pivot as your context calls for it

Values are our core - they are the foundation slab which keeps us rooted to what really, deeply matters to us over time, guiding where and how we create impact, collaborate and influence. Similarly, leadership is nought without vision - to guide and aim further and stretch what’s possible just a little more into new territory.

Your leadership will call upon many leadership styles over the years - and these will depend upon the context you are in. An effective leader will hold a toolkit of techniques, frameworks and skills to be able to pick and choose the right ones which apply to the situations that arise. While we might all have those which we feel most comfortable or competent in, being able to pivot depending upon the situation is part and parcel of the leadership journey.

And yet, as you dip into your toolkit to deliver what the context demands of you, stay grounded to what is most important to you, and reach tall to remain connected to your vision. These will keep you true to what you most care about, helping you to dance in flow rather than veer off track.

Three: Lift others up and stay kind

Leadership brings with it power and privilege - and so, also responsibility. If you wish to not lose yourself through your leadership, stay humble and serve others by looking for ways that you can lift others up. And above all, choose kindness.

Both of these can be challenging to remember sometimes - particularly when we are in the midst of complex situations which require us to make big decisions, support others, manage numerous small details as well as learn new skills on the go. And we’ll all make mistakes along the way - and that’s okay too. But the more real-ness we can bring, the more permission we give others to be real too, to fail forward, to keep moving towards the goal.

Four: Enjoy the journey

We get one life - and it’s to be lived, not survived! Don’t forget to notice the little things, and to have fun along the way!

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