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There’s No Debate About the Need to Know Thyself

April 6, 2006
Washington Business Journal, Rebecca Shambaugh

"Know thyself" may have been the motto of the school founded by Plato, but the philosopher's edict resonates loudly with today's women leaders.

Successful leaders need to create profit-making opportunities, negotiate strategically and manage for growth. These skills can be taught, but implementing them requires a commitment to oneself and a clear vision of personal values.

Some leaders may know themselves but do not let others see their strengths -- and thus end up in the "imposter syndrome."

Sally, a former client of mine, is an excellent example. She was a reliable authority figure and made wise decisions working with her team. When Sally went into a meeting of subordinates, for example, she looked like a woman in control. Everything about her reflected confidence -- from her calm articulation of her plan, to her handling of contentious questions, to even her poised, in-control stature.

But this powerful stand was inconsistent. When Sally entered a conference room of her peers, the veneer seemed to crumble. She stammered when discussing her unit's vision, stumbled when challenged and withdrew. It was as if she was pretending to be strong one minute and compliant the next.

Since neither approach was authentic, Sally was not taken seriously as a powerful leader and lost out on opportunities for growth.

To support businesswomen gearing up for leadership positions, I start with Plato's advice and follow with these five points:

1. Know your motivation. Ask yourself why you lead and what it is you want when you get to the top. This helps you focus on what's important to you, rather than reacting to others, and provides a steadying force for inevitable topsy-turvy business phases.

2. Recognize failure as an opportunity and do not take failure personally. When you know yourself, you can learn from mistakes. Failure is only negative when you stand on uncertain ground. To help identify the lessons in your mistakes, take the time to stop, reflect and analyze what happened. And seek advice. Talk to a mentor or friends who have been through similar circumstances.

3. Know your values. Leaders are constantly facing choices. When you know your values, wise choices become second nature. When you don't, the many options can tear you apart. See your values as a compass to guide your organization -- and your career -- in a direction you can stand behind.

4. Be genuine and communicate honestly. This is the foundation for being an authentic, trustworthy leader.

5. Celebrate strengths, face weaknesses. This is crucial for women because our leadership styles are in high demand and sometimes we don't realize it.

This last point raises a critical issue. Women have long been recognized for their collaborative, inclusive leadership style and now the bottom-line payoff is becoming evident.

A study of successful women by the Winds of Change Foundation with the Center for Research on Women at Wellesley College found that this democratic, people-oriented approach is "capturing many of the requirements for effective leadership in the contemporary fast-paced, turbulent and innovation-driven economy."

The study also identified personal characteristics common to women leaders. They were "tenacious and optimistic" and "paid little attention to obstacles in their work life." In addition, "optimism and a sense of mission propelled their actions."

Sound familiar?

Know what's missing from thyself

It's not only critical to stand in the power of your talents but also imperative to face the fact that none of us can do it all. The best leaders ask for help.

Do you manage people well, but not numbers? It's far more strategic to bring in expertise than to explain costly errors. Or can you zip through a spreadsheet, but have trouble communicating your ideas? Find someone to spread your message.

Identifying your gaps is a sign of strength. It demonstrates your commitment to the work above all else.

Rebecca Shambaugh is president and CEO of Shambaugh Leadership, a leadership and organizational development consulting firm. Web site: www.ShambaughLeadership.com