Effective leaders recognize that change requires extra effort, especially for it to be sustainable. Therefore, they invest in systems and platforms to facilitate real impact. Although it can be daunting, they remain engaged and proactive in being successful in their careers and businesses. Whether you are an emerging or re-engaging leader, having a forward-looking focus that supports a common axiom: “it is a marathon and not a sprint” is beneficial. Current leaders acknowledge that an imaginative approach is essential to foster an inspiring, strong, and bold vision to connect you to your “why”. They also realize it’s critical to surround themselves with people who know “how” to accomplish the vision, which is the mission.
Current leaders are visible in multiple arenas and a vast array of disciplines. Including an expanding business landscape that continues to be promising. I should also mention that the atmosphere is gradually moving from a male-dominated, corporate CEO “old boys” club to a more inclusive one. Increasingly, women are gaining entry, especially with start-ups and mid-size companies. And should be pointed out that corporations are making noteworthy strides as well.
Women’s impressive contributions in the workplace are undeniable, one of which includes creating bridges and pathways for other women to experience career advancement. Helpful tips gathered from recent articles and podcasts offer empirical proof that many qualities needed for effective leadership are gender-neutral.
Maja Karabeg is the Co-Founder of Authority Partners, a tech company founded in 1998. She exhibits a great ability to develop and implement a Strategy for Expansion. Recognizing that business chemistry and identifying your personality type is important, Karabeg took a personality test. According to psychologists, Merrill and Reid, there are four social styles: analytical, driver, expressive and amiable. Karabeg discovered her personal style is defined as a “driver”. Drivers’ attributes are defined as logical, focused, competitive, and quantitative, like data, embracing risk, making decisions quickly, brushing off mistakes, calling the shots, and getting things done.
Karabeg used this knowledge of understanding her social style to propel her success. She led her team in setting the pace to accomplish goals. She helped to create and execute a strategic plan at Authority Partners that aligned their teams around a clear vision for the future. As a result, they could define areas of responsibility that lead to sustainable growth. Their strategic expansion led to a more engaged workforce, which was reflected in a balanced business portfolio. She leveraged her personality type to implement a strategy for growth and impact.
Mary Barra, General Motors CEO, has helped her company navigate a host of challenges recently, including shortages, shutdowns, and disruptions in their workforce. She believes, Understanding The Power Of Resilience undergirded with inner strength and self-reliance can take you a long way toward achieving your goals. One of Sir Winston Churchill’s more well-known quotes: “Success comprises going from failure to failure without the loss of enthusiasm”, speaks to the importance of being resilient. Like Churchill, Barra believes your ability to be adaptive in adverse situations strengthens your resolve, increases your knowledge, and equips you to be more prepared for the next challenge.
If you can listen to Barra, one thing that’s keenly clear is her confidence in her team and their commitment to excellence and success. Her training as an engineer prepared her to develop great growth strategies and a workforce that was dedicated, which has been foundational to GM’s resilience. As you review the definition of resilience – the capacity to withstand or to recover quickly from difficulties, and toughness, it’s obvious why Barra and several great leaders consider it a staple.
Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall, CEO of Dallas Mavericks, Leads with Authenticity and believes that living an abundant and effective life means connecting to people and their humanity. It is vital to success. She has overcome many obstacles and personal adversities by relying on her faith and belief that each of us was created with a purpose. When she agreed to accept her leadership role at the Dallas Mavericks, one of her first actions was to create a 100-day plan. As part of her design to transform the organization’s culture, she was innovative and moved quickly to create an environment of change that focused on values, fairness, equity, and inclusion.
Four words are fundamental to Marshall’s authenticity: dream, focus, pray and act. This helped form her leadership style, which she has coined the “three Ls” – listen, learn, and love. It also fortified her commitment to providing value. Everything she touches, she wants to make better. Marshall’s model values character and caring for staff members and fosters respect and fairness. Daily communications and collaborations that are transparent and truthful promote teamwork.
Her philosophy includes crafting an atmosphere where a premium value is placed on the physical and emotional safety of the labor force, re-enforces the idea that individuals and empathy are important, and one size does not fit all. Marshall encourages leaders to boldly demonstrate competence by creating calm and proficient cultures.
A review of the accomplishments of Karabeg, Barra, and Marshall offers insight into why they have been successful and continue to be respected, influential leaders in their industries. It further highlights how a diversified workplace improves team performance and creates innovative environments. But often what’s neglected is the genuine impact an inclusive environment contributes to the bottom line and a robust economy, globally.
Finally, if you are ready to tackle your growth strategy, gleaming from the success of these three women by adding their nuggets of wisdom to your plan for success should be adopted and implemented. Strategic Planning that incorporates a strategy for growth, resilience with the adeptness to see beyond obstacles, and leading with authority that radiates confidence and compassion are three areas in which you can succeed regardless of age.
