REFLECTIONS ON LIFE AND WHAT IT MEANS TO LIVE FULLY…

I decided I am ready to grow at work and become a leader in summer 2024. Since then, I have been on a journey of self-discovery and learning about leadership. This is the first book I read on this topic and I loved it.

Leadership for the New Female Manager by Karina Sanchez outlines 21 key strategies to help female leaders thrive in managerial roles. Here’s a breakdown of the strategies presented in the book:

1. Adopt a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and see failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
2. Master Emotional Intelligence: Develop self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage your emotions and relationships effectively.
3. Build Self-Confidence: Trust in your abilities, make confident decisions, and don’t shy away from taking risks.
4. Set Clear Boundaries: Establish professional and personal boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
5. Communicate Assertively: Learn how to speak with confidence, clarity, and authority without being aggressive.
6. Develop Influence: Use your influence to inspire and motivate others, rather than relying on authority alone.
7. Leverage Feedback: Seek out feedback to grow and improve, and provide constructive feedback to your team.
8. Master Delegation: Delegate tasks effectively by understanding your team’s strengths and assigning the right responsibilities.
9. Build Strategic Relationships: Network with other leaders and colleagues to create valuable alliances and opportunities.
10. Navigate Office Politics: Understand and manage organizational dynamics and power structures without compromising your values.
11. Foster Inclusion: Build a diverse and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued and heard.
12. Manage Conflict with Confidence: Address conflicts directly and diplomatically, aiming for resolutions that benefit everyone involved.
13. Lead by Example: Set a high standard of professionalism, ethics, and behavior for your team to follow.
14. Create a Vision: Develop a clear vision for your team’s success and communicate it effectively to inspire others.
15. Focus on Continuous Learning: Stay curious and always look for opportunities to expand your knowledge and skills.
16. Develop a Personal Brand: Be intentional about how you present yourself and your leadership style to the world.
17. Adapt to Change: Be flexible and agile, ready to pivot when circumstances demand.
18. Build Resilience: Cultivate the mental toughness to handle setbacks and challenges without losing momentum.
19. Support and Mentor Others: Lift other women and colleagues by offering mentorship, advice, and support.
20. Embrace Authenticity: Lead with integrity by staying true to who you are while embracing your unique strengths.
21. Prioritize Self-Care: Manage stress and avoid burnout by prioritizing your well-being and mental health.

These strategies focus on helping women excel as leaders by leveraging their emotional intelligence, communication skills, and authenticity while navigating the challenges of managerial roles.