Leaning on these three pillars can help prepare you to be a leader
Our career journeys are often peppered with twists and turns, making them both exciting and challenging at times. How we respond to curves in the road defines our future success. Along the way, three guiding pillars have served me well.
Empathy:
A key component of emotional intelligence, empathy is integral in all levels of leadership. A corporate culture that encourages empathetic interactions among all levels of an organization benefits both business and employee satisfaction. Whether in conversation as a leader, colleague, partner, or parent, I actively listen with the intent to understand, not just respond. Empathy at work also involves a willingness to lead by example. The idea that anyone, at any level of the organization, can roll up their sleeves and do the work to get the job done is something I have both tried to exemplify and have admired in many of the strong leaders from whom I have learned over the years.
Resiliency:
In any setting, learning how to manage change for oneself and one’s team is critical to company and employee success. Facing change with a growth mindset has served me well throughout my career and is something I coach others on as they manage organizational shifts. Developing and maintaining a strong self-awareness can be instrumental as we strive to add value at work. Gathering feedback from others and understanding one’s strengths is critical to personal and professional advancement. For me, resiliency means bouncing back from setbacks with more confidence through an enhanced understanding of what didn’t work. This process has made me more decisive and influential in my day-to-day role.
Engagement:
As a product leader and the co-chair of one of Circana’s Global Employee Resource Groups, focused on Black employees and allies, I engage with employees across the organization. I have the pleasure of learning from and working with colleagues within my team and beyond through formal and informal mentorship programs. As a mentor, and particularly as a woman of color, I encourage people to think about things from different perspectives, to value their unique contributions and experiences, and prioritize self-care to ensure they allow space to reflect on what does and doesn’t serve them.
These three pillars, along with guidance and support from strong mentors over the years, have served me well along my career journey. I have embraced the opportunity to step into leadership roles throughout my career and have looked for ways to pay it forward wherever possible.
