The internal pieces is the harder part, but it's also the one that is most sustainable in terms of achieving the transformation or the change or the shift that you want to make. And i think with women, part of the challenge is that they are not necessarily conditioned for leadership positions early on. So a lot of what we have to work with them on is not just a mind set in terms of seeing themselves as a leader,. What does that mean and how do they want o lead? How do they want to be known?
The shift from being part of a team to leading one isn’t like flipping a switch; it’s a process, and often an awkward one. Not only do you have to convince other people that you can and should lead, but sometimes you have to convince yourself. That’s not always easy for women, given that leadership has long been defined by how men act. Finding a style that’s authentic and resonates with others requires reflection and patience.
We talk to two leadership coaches about what distinguishes a leader, how to know if you’re ready to be one, and how to best make the transition. Then our hosts discuss their own leadership journeys, and the Amys share tips with Nicole that they’ve learned along the way.
Our HBR reading list:
Sign up to get the Women at Work monthly newsletter.
Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org
Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.