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War, famine, poverty, random acts of violence, and corporate greed are just a few of the most critical problems facing communities, companies, the country and the world today. And exactly who predominates in all leadership arenas? Of course, men. Women don’t make better leaders than men, they make different leaders. They’re not afraid to bring in people with more expertise when there’s something they don’t know. They work to build collaborations, rather than operate from a top down principle. And their well-honed emotional intelligence enables them to effectively influence others using the least muscle necessary.

For centuries women have held a wide array of leadership role – but they haven’t always been given credit for their accomplishments, nor have they been so bold as to call themselves leaders. Yet through nature and nurture they have honed the quintessential skills needed to make a difference in the workplace, the community, and the world. If ever there was a time in history that cried out for women’s leadership, that time has arrived. Women must make sure their voices are heard, they have a place at the table, and, regardless of the resistance they get, they help change the course of history.

Whether you lead a work team, a volunteer organization, or even just a project, here are 7 tips to help you step confidently and courageously into your leadership zone.

1. Articulate your leadership vision. Write down what you want people to say about you when you leave a room. Fill in the blank, “She’s a leader who ___________.” Be as specific as possible. Include what you want to do, how you want to do it and what people will get out of doing it with you. Then act in ways to make it a reality.

2. Be strategic. If it’s a problem you’re solving or a change in direction you want to undertake, develop your overarching strategy for addressing the challenge before diving in. Avoid the tendency to approach everything with a high sense of urgency or to jump to action before thinking through a situation. Strategy takes time.

3. Resist perfectionism. We’ve all heard the saying, “a woman has to work twice as hard to be considered half as good.” Don’t let it guide your actions. Thinking that you have to be perfect causes your strategic thinking and willingness to take risks to be constricted. The balance of strategic thinking and tactical implementation is by nature imperfect – and always a risk.

4. Get to the point. Women have the tendency to use more words when fewer would do. More words used always soften a message. Fewer words strengthen a message. Keep in mind the maxim, “short sounds confident.” Begin your communications with the one statement you would want others to remember if you had only enough time to say that. Rather than continue speaking ask, “Do you have any questions?” or “Have I made myself clear?”

5. Volunteer to make formal and informal presentations. If you want to become really good at influencing others, seize every opportunity to go outside your comfort zone and speak before large and small groups. Also consider joining Toastmasters International.

6. Solicit 360 degree feedback. Asking three simple questions will yield a wealth of information – usually about behaviors related to emotional intelligence: What do I do well that I should continue doing? What can I do more of to be even more effective? What can I do less of to be even more effective? As with any kind of feedback or survey, be prepared to take action.

7. Balance your natural leadership skills with new behaviors. Women are good at bringing out the best in people through coaching. Combine these with more direct and assertive communication, deliberate decision-making, and an increased understanding of the political landscape of your company culture and you’ll be the leader you were destined to become.

About The Author:
To receive free monthly coaching tips like this one contact Dr. Frankel at info@corporatecoachingintl.com or visit her website, http://www.corporatecoachingintl.com

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