How to become a better leader.

Leadership is a diverse topic, with old edgy definitions that include “C” words like control, command and clout. This article explores a woman’s effective influence through empowered leadership, with compelling “C” words like collaboration, connection and community. Implement the following seven elements to help you become a more empowered, more effective leader.

Accountable Health & Wellness

An empowered leader takes 100 percent responsibility for her wellbeing. Radiant and vibrant leaders make their wellbeing a priority, because they know they’re in charge of it. Accountability begins and ends with you, and an empowered leader is at peace with this concept. Some proactive strategies include a balanced lifestyle that incorporates movement, organic whole foods, all-natural skincare, hydration, meditation, rest and optimal nutrition. I personally believe chocolate is a vegetable as it comes from a bean, which falls under the heading of “anything in moderation”! Empowered leaders don’t dilute their energy and focus with a daily onslaught of fast food, chemicals and chaos. They honour themselves, and lead by example.

Enlightened Productivity & Performance

An empowered leader manages her time by managing her energy. High performers are wildly effective and deeply satisfied, because they’ve shifted their focus from time to energy. Start by noticing what sucks your energy into a black hole. What just triggered it? Was it a critical colleague? A chronically late employee? Your guts clench, your throat tightens; something physical happens. Notice it. Now ask: “What’s that really about?” It has nothing to do with the other person, and everything to do with a belief you’re projecting onto them. For example, Jane sails into the staff meeting 10 minutes late as usual, and your jaw clenches. Notice it. When the time is appropriate, go deeper and think about what that was really about for you. Maybe, “When she’s late, it means she doesn’t respect me.” Aha! Now the real issue of respect is on the table, for you to explore and release. Quite frankly, this isn’t for the faint of heart – it’s so much easier, after all, to make it about the other person. But that’s ultimately disempowering. When you release an underlying belief that isn’t serving you, you release vast reserves of precious energy.

Collaboration & Community

An empowered leader connects and creates leverage. In this era of the so-called “superwoman,” our capes get donned right along with the pantyhose and Prada. We do it all, and we do it exceptionally well – but at a price. Ladies, it’s time to retire the cape. When you put yourself on the fast-forward fast track with little respite, burnout is around the bend and it’s just not a powerful place to lead from. Be the leader who magnetizes and inspires. Women are fabulous collaborators and create miracles together when joined in a common purpose. Results unfold with less effort and increased empowerment for everyone.

Celebration

An empowered leader celebrates everything. Begin within, and celebrate your magnificence at every opportunity. Then, and only then, can you genuinely celebrate everyone and everything else. Retire that old “not enough” story along with the cape. When you find your inner dialogue caught up in the “I’m not thin enough, rich enough, smart enough” fairytale, interrupt the old recording with new programming. (I personally favour “I’m a rock star!” but find your own phrase to groove with.) Authentic celebration is directly connected to the law of attraction. Focus on what you do want (versus what you don’t). It’s the science of attracting more of what you want, with ease.

Vision

An empowered leader knows life isn’t done to her; life is up to her. Envision your future before it arrives. Creative visualization and vision boards are two excellent tools for unleashing a powerful level of manifestation. Develop crystal clarity on what your values are and what you want, while embracing what you’ve got. Accept the now, and set intentions for the future. If you can do this without attachment to the outcome, it’s pure magic.

Humanity

An empowered leader comprehends the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” We’re all connected and on this journey together. An empowered leader understands that how she treats another is how she’s treating herself. On an expanded level, charitable support to our global sisters is just as important as our own community, because it’s all woven together in the fabric that joins us all.

Worth

An empowered leader resonates with her sense of worth from within. Our true sense of worth is never externally sourced. It’s not generated by a bank account, job title or awesome red shoes – all of which are great, but ephemeral. The true strength and power of our worth comes from within. It’s more enduring than titanium, and is an infinite resource almost humbling in its magnitude. Create some quiet time for yourself every day, and breathe in your inherent value and exquisite perfection. You are a “Woman Of Worth,” and you are glorious.

More articles by this author

Empowered Leadership: Is your WOW Factor turned on?

Today’s superwoman is so much more than “enough.” This is a...

Read More >>

Having a Bad Hair Day? The Keys to Healthier Hair

Learn how to achieve healthier hair from the inside...

Read More >>