If you’re a female leader, you are a woman in the arena. You are in a public position to be scrutinized, judged, challenged, and at times, vilified, often by people who have never met you.
The arena can be a lonely place, but that’s why it's crucial to surround ourselves with strong women who have not only survived but thrived in their own arenas. We draw strength from their experience, wisdom, and resilience, which gives us the power to keep pushing forward.
They remind us that it is not the critic who counts; it is the woman in the arena who strives valiantly, dares greatly, and actually does the hard work for a worthy cause.
I was invited to share my story from the arena at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership and learn from others like Former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, TX Secretary of State Jane Nelson, TX State Representative Nicole Collier, Retired Col. Kimberly Olson, KERA’s Kris Boyd, and so many other female powerhouses. This is the 2nd year the summit was held through Texas Woman’s University, and over 600 women were in attendance for breakout panel sessions and a keynote speech by Erin Brockovich.
Here are a few leadership lessons that I've learned through the arena:
Everything comes down to Trust and Communication. Do your best to build both. Don’t underestimate the importance of communication and repeating the message. In the absence of communication, assumptions take root.
Leadership can simply start by asking, “Why?” Why do we do things this way? Why are these lines drawn? Why does this issue exist? As you go down the path to answer your question of “why”, you will find yourself naturally leading others.
There are always more Critics and Talkers than Doers. Be a Doer. Don’t be afraid of the Critics and Talkers. As Andrew Jackson said, “One man with courage makes a majority.”
Leadership is about giving. Giving people are the most positive people. Giving to others reaps a harvest. Be generous in your giving spirit.
Leadership is more art than science. The principles of leadership are constant, but the application changes with every leader and every situation. Be discerning; leaders must read people, then lead people.
As you move forward in your leadership journey, I hope these lessons from the arena help you stay focused and persevere to the end.
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