5 Lessons in Leadership that I’m taking into Parenthood
I’ve been busy training for perhaps one of the most important leadership roles I’ll ever hold, becoming a mom. Just like any new role or opportunity, there would be so many things to learn along the way. Like beginning any new job, I have been filled with excitement, nerves, and anticipation of what’s to come.
Every day we are presented with new opportunities, new situations, new roles and new expectations in life. While it can be terrifying, humbling and exciting at the same time, we’ve spent our lives equipping ourselves with the tools and experience we need to trust our ability to step into and continue our personal growth.
Going into this adventure, like any adventure before, there are only 3 things I know for sure:
1) I have no idea what to expect or do, but I will figure it out as I go
2) I’ll get it wrong more times than I’ll get it right, but I will learn from it
3) Preparing for anything is safer than planning for something, I can trust myself to handle whatever comes my way
To keep my perfectionism at bay, and keep my mindset in an optimal state for this journey, I’ve been reflecting on some of my greatest leadership learnings:
1) Focus on the Long Game - There are no absolute right or wrongs. The small steps matter less individually, and more collectively. A step in any direction, even the wrong direction, is still progress.
2) Your Ego Won’t Help You - It’s not about you anymore. Leaders step into the support role, not the leading role.
3) Integrity & Trust Are Everything - What you say better line up with what you do (you’re not fooling anyone, even a child).
4) You Create/Remove Limits – You are responsible for creating the environment required for failure, learning & feedback. Is it a safe space to learn & grow?
5) Humility & Vulnerability – Strength is not reflected in being perfect or knowing everything, but in being honest and open to learning.
Just a few weeks into motherhood, I can say, training for anything and expecting nothing was about all I could do to prepare. Control the “controllables” and trust myself to handle whatever else comes my way.
How do you prepare for new roles & responsibilities? How do you keep your expectations from getting in the way?
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