In my experiences as a female leader, we spend a good portion of our careers trying to attain our desired status and position, while also creating and fostering our leadership style for an open and community-based work environment.
With hybrid and virtual work schedules here to stay, how can we positively impact organizations?
This article summarizes a conversation Oswald’s Women’s Leadership Council enjoyed with two seasoned female executives from a major Northeast Ohio corporation.
Both executives are using their insight to uplift, encourage and motivate their employees primarily through virtual technology.
Multiple lessons in leadership growth were gleaned by the Council that can now be seamlessly applied to a virtual environment.
- Be purposeful and confident in your choices.
- Know you have more choices than you recognize.
- Be a businesswoman first and then your title/job.
- One Council member noted the importance of basic leadership principles – be a leader without a title. No one sees your title on a virtual call.
- There is a reason why you have your position. It is because people saw something in you of value, so bring it on and use it to help others.
- Use your value to exude positivity and hope to those you lead. You’ll succeed together.
- Do not sell yourself short – most women do – get rid of that.
- Be yourself. Own it. Be authentic.
- One member felt this will help her virtual communication be more genuine.
- Believe in yourself, find your courage.
Regardless of the role you are in, or aiming for, the basic principles stay the same. Create impact regardless of your role or whether you’re together at the office or on a virtual call.
Purposeful communication can be so uplifting for your coworkers. Connecting and bonding with people in meaningful ways constitutes the core of my leadership philosophy.
In Gary Myers’ Ted Talk – “How Virtual Leadership is changing the Game,” he says “Leadership is predicated upon the strength of the bonds that you form with the individuals that put their trust in you.”
Remember that leadership is an ongoing journey – whether in-person or virtual.
Related articles:
Oswald Women’s Leadership Council: The Power of Belonging
Women in Insurance: Changing the Landscape of Leadership
Oswald’s Collaborative Culture: Focusing on Inclusion and Commitment to Community
View more from the Women’s Leadership Blog Series.
This blog was originally posted on June 25, 2020 and has been updated.
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