By Natasha Josefowitz
LA JOLLA, California — I was recently asked to speak at a “Women in Leadership” symposium at the University Club as part of a panel organized by the Executive Women’s Council. I found the questions thought-provoking, and so I am sharing some of them here along with my responses.
- What does leadership mean to you, and what’s your leadership style?
I believe in participative leadership which means decisions are not made alone, but shared with those who will be impacted. It is important to ask for input and have a subsequent discussion on the reasons for the decisions. My leadership style is to be direct, approachable, and open-minded.
- What quality do you think makes a great leader?
- Having a vision of what is to be accomplished, a vision that can be shared and implemented by others.
- Understanding the values and beliefs of the participants are important so that it will be likely for them to get on board.
- Being willing to listen and compromise, if necessary. There is a fine line between flexibility and rigidity. Don’t be so married to your ideas that you are not able to hear others, and yet, be able to hold on to what you believe is right in the face of dissent.
- Trust others and delegate.
As Ken Blanchard writes in his book Servant Leadership in Action, the epitome of good leadership is a leader who is both responsible for the people he leads and responsive to them.
- How do you balance your career, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?
Begin by praying to the Lady of Perpetual Fatigue. There is no such thing as balance. Priorities can change from moment to moment. I had growing children and was teaching full-time at a university when I wrote this poem:
“Perpetual Guilt”
If I’m home with the children
I should be in the office
If I’m in the office
I should be with the children
I always should be
Wherever I’m not
- What are the ways you implement self-care?
I use a lot of anti-aging cream…just kidding. Accept wrinkles and white hair as a symbol of maturity and wisdom.
Live an intelligent life. We all know about good nutrition, the need to exercise, get enough sleep, and reduce stress. The key is both motivation and discipline.
- What advice do you have for women looking to grow either their own business or within the company they work for?
- Know the culture of the organization, know the competition, know the latest research, innovations, goals, and possible obstacles.
- Think outside the box.
- Be visible.
- Look people in the eye. Stand straight. Shake hands firmly.
- Ask the first question.
- Give credit.
- How important is it to have a mentor to grow as a leader? What are some steps to build that type of relationship?
The most powerful thing a woman can do is to empower other women.
Mentors are people who can teach you what you need to know to do your job well. Sponsors are the people higher up in the organization who are willing to speak for you and about you in order for you to advance.
In both instances, you must ask yourself in what ways you can be of help. Look for where there are unmet needs, things that can be improved or discontinued; be proactive with suggestions. It is better to be wrong and fall on your face than to be invisible. Be an asset.
- How do you admire someone else’s success without doubting your own self-worth?
Many women secretly feel less than, especially when they see someone else succeed. We live in a culture that promotes comparisons. It is important not only to recognize other people’s strengths, but to congratulate them on their accomplishments. The key is to be genuinely happy for others without feeling diminished.
For this to work, make a list of the qualities necessary for success. Which of these qualities do you possess? What areas do you need to improve in? See yourself as a work in progress with unlimited potential. You may not have arrived; you are on a journey. Always believe you have what it takes no matter how many times you fail or others discourage you. Perseverance pays off. Good luck!
Hope the above questions and answers were also thought-provoking for you.
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© Natasha Josefowitz. This article appeared initially in the La Jolla Village News. You may comment to natasha.josefowitz@sdjewishworld.com