What Does It Mean to Be a Leader?

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:

• “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic
• “How Women Manage the Gendered Norms of Leadership,” by Wei Zheng et al.
• “To Be Authentic, Look Beyond Yourself,” by Amy Jen Su and Muriel Maignan Wilkins
• “Ego Is the Enemy of Good Leadership,” by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter
• “Improve Your Leadership Presence,” HBR Video with Muriel Maignan Wilkins

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.