Being a leader means having tough conversations, making difficult decisions, and sometimes disappointing people. It's about being okay with that and not just trying to make everyone happy. Making change often makes people unhappy, but as a leader, you have to be willing to institute change. You have to make tough calls, ask people to do things they don't want to do, and make unpopular decisions. It's important to not be solely focused on being liked, but rather on doing what's best for the organization.
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.
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Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.