Managers hold significant sway over their teams’ engagement levels — studies indicate they are responsible for a staggering 70% of the variance. In simpler terms, managers are the linchpin in determining how invested their team members are in their work. However, this responsibility doesn’t come without its own set of challenges. “Forty-two percent of managers strongly agree that they have multiple competing priorities, compared with 27% of individual contributors.” Many ascend to managerial ranks based solely on technical prowess, often missing the mark on leadership finesse. Consequentl ..read more

As the call for greater manager involvement in team development grows louder, it’s crucial to recognize a significant challenge: managers often find themselves stretched thin, with people management sometimes relegated to the sidelines. Rather than placing blame, we’re offering solutions to lighten their load and empower them in this pivotal aspect of leadership. Research has shown time and again that women thrive in leadership roles when their managers actively engage with and support their development. However, we understand the challenges you face. With myriad responsibilities competing ..read more

Networking is a crucial skill needed for advancement, serving as the bridge linking opportunities, ideas, and individuals. But for introverts, stepping into the networking arena can feel like attempting the English Channel when in a kiddie pool. Picture this: You find yourself at a crowded networking event, enveloped by a sea of eager faces and lively conversation. Gripping your drink like a lifeline, you scan the room for a familiar face or a welcoming smile. Meanwhile, the extroverts effortlessly navigate from one conversation to another, leaving you in a mental game of freeze tag, uncert ..read more

Building strategic relationships is absolutely essential for propelling organizational growth and fostering innovation. Yet, it’s surprising how often companies miss the opportunity to provide adequate support for their women leaders in this area, ultimately risking the loss of valuable perspectives and potential collaborations. This article aims to aid organizations in empowering their female leaders by exploring the crucial topic of cultivating strategic relationships among women leaders. It offers insights into the essence of strategic relationships, highlights their pivotal role in ..read more

Ever wondered how your leadership style truly influences your team’s performance? It’s more than just showing up with with your game face to meetings. Your approach and emotional disposition wield significant power, shaping outcomes in ways you might not even realize. So, how are you showing up every day? More specifically, are you an emotionally rigid, intelligent, or agile leader? If you don’t know the answer yet, it’s time to give this some thought because this question delves into the core of leadership styles and highlights the importance of emotional awareness. So let’s uncover the cha ..read more

Picture this: You’re in the heart of a bustling boardroom, faced with a critical decision that could shape the future of your company. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is on to make the right call. In this high-stakes situation, the ability to think on your feet isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity that all leaders must possess. But what sets apart truly successful leaders from the rest? It’s not just about quick thinking and sharp decision-making skills—it’s the underlying foundation of emotional intelligence and agility that enables them to navigate these emotionally charged situati ..read more

In discussions on leadership, the ongoing debate over the interplay between strategic and tactical thinking is critical. Strategic thinking encompasses long-term vision and planning, while tactical thinking prioritizes immediate actions and problem-solving. The challenge lies in striking the right balance between these two approaches and understanding their synergy within decision-making processes. A recent survey of 10,000 senior leaders highlighted that an overwhelming 97% identified strategic thinking as the most critical leadership behavior for organizational success. This statistic u ..read more

In the intricate world of leadership, women often showcase not only their achievements but also a distinctive resilience that sets them apart. While it’s essential to recognize that not all women leaders are universally resilient, many tend to exhibit traits that, when leveraged, can enhance their resilience. Understanding and decoding these unique factors provides valuable insights, guiding organizations in crafting tailored strategies to fortify resilience through targeted initiatives. Understanding the Foundations of Resilience in Many Women Leaders Resilience in women leaders ..read more

By Tracy Tsai, PCC, CPC In the early days of your career, your success was defined by your productivity and proficiency in specific tasks. You may have even been promoted to your first leadership role based on those competencies. However, as you progress in your career, you may find that those very skills that got you here can inadvertently hold you back from moving into senior leadership roles. Why is that? At lower levels of management, junior leaders are usually focused more on execution rather than long-term thinking. They tend to “keep their head down” to complete tasks, which leads to ..read more

Strategic thinking is the linchpin of effective leadership, offering leaders a powerful tool to navigate challenges, foster innovation, and drive organizational success. It extends beyond routine operations, providing leaders with the ability to anticipate, plan, and execute initiatives aligned with long-term objectives. In the face of constant change and challenges, strategic thinking empowers leaders to proactively assess the business environment, anticipate obstacles, and formulate adaptable strategies. This forward-thinking mindset not only aids in overcoming immediate hurdles but po ..read more