Aug 21, 2023
When you watched someone else take charge, did you ever wish you had their leadership skills?
Maybe you questioned yourself why you can't be a more assertive leader like them or why you can't get your team to work together like they did.
Don't feel bad if you ever had these thoughts, as everyone has unique leadership styles. However, only some people are comfortable displaying their leadership style to others.
Today's episode of Int-HER-rupt is a rerun of episode 109. Our host Linda revisits her discussion with Jordan LaSalle to help you become comfortable with your leadership style.
Meet Your Team Member Instead of Forcing Them to Come to You
- Jordan has a background in teaching, and one vital thing she kept in mind throughout her career is: Meet the student instead of forcing the student to meet her.
- People learn and work differently, so if you want to teach or lead effectively, you must go to whoever you’re in charge of.
- Emotional intelligence is vital to this. Be aware of the strengths and weaknesses of your team and play to their strengths. Optimize things for your team so you can effectively work.
Take the Time to Build Authentic Relationships
- After she worked in teaching, Jordan transitioned to being the vice president of education at her school. Just like she had done with her students, she focused on building genuine connections with the people under her.
- Jordan did an exercise where she had everyone she worked with create a user manual. The manual asked a few questions:
- What brings out the best in me.
- What brings out the worst in me.
- How to work most effectively with me.
- Team exercises build a relationship between you and your workers. It also gives you an idea of effectively leading and working with them.
Understand Every Team Member's Role
- Understand your role in the team, as well as the role of everyone else.
- Jordan got her position while the pandemic was just beginning. She and her team members were all worried about the future and the board's direction.
- Remember, the job of your teammates is not to bear your weight. As a leader, you are supposed to be your team's pillar and source of strength.
- Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t rely on them. But focus on supporting your team instead of having your team support you.
Recognize Other People’s Expertise
- Yes, you may be the leader of a group or business, but you’re not omnipotent.
- In Jordan’s career, she works with a board of experts and meets with them frequently. Although she is in a higher position than the other board members, she also recognizes and respects their insight.
- Jordan isn’t directly involved in everything, so listening to the other board members and considering their insights helps her run things smoothly.
Don’t Be Afraid of Vulnerability
- There’s a common misconception that leaders must always be strong and never show weakness or vulnerabilities. The problem with this is that it shows you’re not genuine.
- Nobody is perfect. There is no perfect leader or team member. Instead of constantly chasing after perfection, chase after progress. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities!
- One tool Jordan uses is language cues. Saying things like “I’m going out on a limb” shows you’re not completely certain about what you’ll say, but it also makes you more human and genuine.
The Three Golden Nuggets of Leadership
- Surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you.
- Embrace who you truly are.
- Be able to find humor in yourself and in situations.
Are you ready for more leadership advice? If so, then be sure to subscribe to the IntHERrupt podcast for more women's leadership skills.
Resources
Check out the Int-HER-rupt Website at www.intherrupt.com! You can reach out to Linda and let her know how this episode relates to you. This podcast is produced by TSE Studios. Check out other podcasts by TSE Studios, including this episode’s sponsor, The Sales Evangelist, helping new and struggling sellers close more deals and achieve their sales goals. Subscribe to the IntHERrupt Podcast so you won’t miss a single show. Find us on Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, Spotify, and Stitcher. Audio created by Ryan Rasmussen Productions.