Lean In and Level It UP
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FountainBlue's July 21 When She Speaks event, on the topic of Lean In and Level It UP! Below are notes from our conversation.
We had an energetic, experienced and fun panel who shared their wisdom and stories about leveling up within an organization. They had a wide range of experience and backgrounds, but they had much in common: 1) they succeeded despite their reservations, 2) they stretched themselves at every level regularly, 3) they learned from their experiences, 4) they share their experience and learnings with those around them, and 5) they have a passion and curiosity which fuels them internally. Below is their composite advice on how leaders can rise and succeed within an organization.
Be strategic.
Choose to be comfortable when you need to be, and to push for change if complacency sets in. Don't just go through the motions!
Raise a flag for a cause that would benefit yourself, your team, your company, your industry.
Don't wait for the right role/title/assignment/invitation to solve a pressing problem.
Make positive and proactive choices.
Be passionate about what you do, and confident that you can do it well.
Be curious about why some things work and some things don't. It may lead to serendipitous results!
If a jerk thinks you're a failure before you've started or if a bozo throws you under the bus or your boss won't give you the resources to succeed - see that as a positive opportunity to succeed despite the odds.
Embrace failures as learning opportunities.
Empower your people.
Communicate the 'why' and the 'what' and empower others around you to figure out the details.
Get the energy and support you need so that you can get out of your own comfort zone.
Work your network.
Choose to work with people who are not like you.
Look for the best of everyone around you. Learn from others. Emulate the best qualities of others.
Work and grow your network. Make it deep and broad.
Manage your self-talk and other things and people which may limit your ability to succeed.
Be a great listener - learn from what the staff, the customer, and other important people are saying.
Find a way to fit the style of those you work with.
Our panel's closing thoughts are to 'Dream BIG. Dream ON!'
Please join me in thanking our gracious hosts at BigCommerce and our panelists!
Facilitator Linda Holroyd, CEO, FountainBlue; CMO, 888 Steps
Panelist Maranda Dziekonski, Vice President, Customer Operations, HelloSign
Panelist Angela Griffo, VP, 10Fold
Panelist Linda Tong, VP of Innovation, AppDynamics
Panelist Andrea Wagner, Head of Design, Bigcommerce