Leadership is Feminine

For most women, when we are invited to study leadership the teachers, scholars, authorities and models are primarily… men. We are indoctrinated from the time we are born that men are the leaders and that natural male characteristics are the strengths you must also possess to be a good leader. Powerful. Strong. Authoritative. Direct. Assertive. Decisive. These and so many more are attributes that are typically associated with the male model of a leader. And so, for the better part of the last one hundred years as women have made their way into the fold, in a variety of leadership roles, we have learned and studied to walk the way of a men to achieve success. Women dismiss their own knowing because we’ve been so indoctrinated in male leadership models. We dismiss what we know for what others tell us to be and how to be seen. There is another way to lead. To be in alignment. To not feel like an imposter. It’s time for the reimagining of leadership. That’s not to disparage any of the progress that has come before us. Progress is progress. For those of us who stand in the footsteps of the women who came before us we are here because of their courage, bravery and resilience. I wonder instead if women equally looked to the characteristics they learned from their mothers for leadership. I wonder if we were taught to lean on different qualities to drive success. I wonder what might happen then? The traditional qualities of mothering are communication, nurturing, listening, strength, support, grace, and yes… love. What if to be the best leader you can be as a woman, you integrated the best of both? This is how women will stand with integrity in their role as leaders. As women, we can be assertive, direct, powerful, and authoritative but we need not only rely on those attributes for success. After 25 years of watching and studying leaders, I can tell you that for sure many traditional male attributes are effective in the short run, but they typically only serve a few. Whereas, when leadership is feminine. When the leader possesses the strengths of femininity and grace the results are for all. This podcast is my like my gentle request and invitation to my fellow female leaders that we reclaim the world leadership as one that is a feminine definition. That we continue to work with all of our allies to build organizations and systems that include more support, collaboration, grace and communication. And that we do so not because we are uncomfortable with the more traditional male-dominating models, but because we truly do know that leadership is a feminine strength and attribute. And the world needs more of us leading. Now more than ever.

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Now displaying: April, 2021

The Accountability Quagmire | Ep #115 0

Apr 26, 2021

Accountability - making a commitment and then following through on it. You wouldn’t think it’s that hard to do, right? Yet every day, we are surrounded by people who think they’re above accountability. And many leaders, in order to avoid difficult conversations, let it go. They don’t address it, and therein lies the quagmire. We leaders are negatively reinforcing the very behaviors we say we don't want. So here’s my suggestion…

What you'll learn from this episode:

The responses people demonstrate as a result of being confronted with their own lack of results.
People-pleasing and the lack of accountability.
Accountability and the entitled generation.
Spiderman and accountability - with great power comes great responsibility.
Holding onto people because we're afraid to address their performance is diminishing the ability and the engagement of the people we really want.
How to change all that – and change the world!

I'd really appreciate it if you would click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

Find out more about the How to CEO Program here. https://krisplachycoaching.mykajabi.com/how2ceo-bring-it

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Laughter and Leadership | Ep #114 0

Apr 19, 2021

Being firm and serious when you need to be is important, but if overused, it can lose its authority and make you unapproachable. Real laughter is a form of connection. I think that leaders who laugh and have fun create better cultures. They create a connection that's based on authenticity and truth - and that is one of the most potent forms of engagement.

What you'll learn from this episode:

Why levity is a leadership skill.
The reason integrating laughter into your work is so critical.
Why laughter, when you're in a leadership role, is so contagious.
Laughter is the best medicine, and "truth be told, those of us who know this also make the best healers." ~ Kris

I'd really appreciate it if you would click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

Advanced Leadership Coach Certification is currently open for registration. Get more details here.

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Conversation with Meha Agrawal | Ep #113 0

Apr 12, 2021

In today’s interview, Kris talks with Meha Agrawal, South Asian American CEO and founder of Silk + Sonder. Silk + Sonder is a community-driven program which is rooted in principles of positive psychology whose mission is to solve the emotional health epidemic for their customers. At its core, Silk + Sonder is a space for mindfulness, journaling, planning, tracking, and creative expression — all in one.

What you'll learn from this episode:

What the word “sonder” means.
Meha’s compelling reason for creating Silk + Sonder.
Why Meha felt her bootstrap business required some injected capital.
What it was like building her team.
Meha’s biggest mistake as she was growing her team.
How to vet people you want to bring on to your team.
Meha’s favorite books – see links below.
The thought leaders Meha follows.
What is a “dream manager” and how could it fit in at Silk + Sonder?
Valuable advice from Meha to other women.

I'd really appreciate it if you would click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

If you are a female entrepreneur leading her own business, trying to figure out how to deal with all things "team," go to howtoceoregister.com for more information.

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Vulnerability as a Female Entrepreneur | Ep #112 0

Apr 5, 2021

Vulnerability is not just about making yourself susceptible to physical or emotional harm – it can also be a mechanism for growth and connection with others. Tune in to find out how being vulnerable can help make you, as a female entrepreneur, an exceptionally powerful leader.

What you'll learn from this episode:

What you are blocking yourself from when you prevent yourself from being vulnerable.
The difference between vulnerability and exposure.
How to let your guard down and be vulnerable.

I'd really appreciate it if you would click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

Today, Monday, April 5th, is the last day to register for How To CEO. We start this Thursday, April 8th, with a whole new group of amazing rock star women. If you are a female entrepreneur leading her own business, trying to figure out how to deal with all things "team," go to howtoceoregister.com.

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