...and that's just what they'll do...
Maybe you have no idea about the song, but I'll bet you do have an idea of what it feels like to climb your career ladder while balancing precariously on thin things - thin ice, high heels, glass ceilings. Those experiences similar to your favorite shoes are likely familiar and well-worn, but it takes skill to climb in snazzy heels - or boots - or flats. The climb takes skill...
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I was asked and graciously accepted an invitation to the 6th Annual Texas Diversity Council's Women in Leadership Symposium hosted by TCU's Neely School of Business on Friday, September 19, 2014. The line-up of panelists was (wow!) impressive and awe inspiring.
Each leader relayed tremendous insights that resonated with me and a sold out crowd. They talked about competence, stamina, proving grounds, your personal "Board of Directors", mistakes they've made, being underestimated, networking, and much more. Overwhelmingly they've earned their seats at the table - any table.
Here are a few (very few) insights that I captured during the symposium.
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►►►A Woman's Secret to Success: Developing and Balancing Self-Confidence
What got you here won't get you there. Be humble and open. Know what you don't know.
Be willing to take risks. Don't hesitate!
Before it's your favorite place, it's somewhere you've never been.
Captain Kathi Durst - Chief Pilot-DFW, American Airlines
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►►►Gendered Leadership: How Talented Women Thrive
Make competence your priority. Make it about contribution not about gender. You must be really good at what you do.
Bloom where you're planted. Don't limit yourself!
Remember that you are women, you don't need to be men
Lisa Firmin - MHRM, Colonel, USAF, Retired, Associate Provost for Diversity and Recruitment for The University of Texas at San Antonio
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►►►Great Leadership: Creating Change For The Better
Be the game-changer. Go forth with winning in mind. Remember layers of change. Don't short cut process.
Continuously communicate in different voices. Be concise. Check-in frequently. Celebrate along the way.
It's your world, change it!
Cynthia Odom - Chief Financial and Administration Officer, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains
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►►►The New Workplace: Leading Successfully Across Generations
Understand the culture that you're working in
Listen - a lot...
Build your own "Board of Directors" of trusted people. Choose people who won't give you a free pass.
Sharon M. Leite - Executive Vice President-Sales and Customer Experience, Pier I Imports
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►►►Leadership Beyond Survivor: Using The Power of Alliances
Dress the part, play the part, be the part.
Always take feedback in, say "Thank You". Vent later.
Lisa Keglowitz - Vice President, Store Operations and Strategic Initiatives, GameStop, Inc.
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►►►Purposeful Life: Living and Following Your Dreams
Transitioning to higher role may be uncomfortable - and lonely.
Embrace diversity (all things different).
Your life depends on relationships.
Greer Christian - Vice President, Community Development Officer, Wells Fargo
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As each leader presented topics on Women of Vision: Leading Transformation in the Workplace, I couldn't help but wonder who would fill their shoes as they move on from their powerful positions.
Just as quickly I reminded myself that there are millions of new pathways to build and countless new contributions to make. The insights provided above help to clear away some of the underbrush along new pathways and allows new climbing skills to emerge.
What new pathways will you build and what new shoes will you fill?
Add your comments and insights below.
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