Resilient Leadership

Learning to value our “real” self and cultivate our strengths is easier said than done, especially in a world that constantly sends us messages that our natural self is inadequate. Yes, I know that marketers of hair products, clothing and diet programs are not thinking about their impact on leadership in the workplace, but that doesn’t mean that their advertising haven’t challenged the ways we value our personal traits, including those we bring into the workplace.

Peter Vaill, author of “Managing as a Performing Art,” reminds us that “treating leadership as a list of functions or skills doesn’t match up with real life.” He writes: “In daily life no one experiences her job as a list of functions or competencies. Leadership is a matter of a whole person in a whole environment interacting in concrete ways with other whole persons.”

Continue reading this article at The Huffington Post.

Once a soccer mom, always a soccer mom! How else do I explain organizing my lunchtime in front of ESPN, beaming in smile as the US Women’s World Cup team beats France to win a chance for the championship trophy in the finals?

The years of cheering and schlepping as my youngest daughter (now a college grad) played travel and varsity soccer has indelibly marked a soft spot in my heart for “the beautiful game.” I remember the day, twelve years ago, when Brandi Chastain impulsively lifted her shirt, exposing her sports bra for the world to see, as a sign of her joy and strength. She, along with her teammates, had just won the World Cup in a penalty kick shootout. While shocked at how she broke female traditions, I was elated at her bravery to be herself and match her male counterparts on the field.

Continue reading this article at The Huffington Post.

The recent death of Betty Ford provides opportunity to consider her life learnings and demonstrated leadership. First Lady from 1974-1977, Ford took risks not commonly taken before her time. When diagnosed with breast cancer, she saw her condition as an opportunity to publicly express that it’s okay and acceptable to have physical conditions that cause a person to suffer and need treatment. When confronted by her loving family about misuse and abuse of prescriptive drugs and alcohol, Betty Ford took action, sought treatment and demystified addictions by publicly speaking about her struggles, thus encouraging others to come out of the closet and talk about their real issues as well.

So often women, in particular, are afraid to step into their leadership by being their authentic self …

Continue reading this article at The Huffington Post.