Bossy Girls Can Become Successful Leaders

Today's society is not gender specific when it comes to women in leadership or executive positions. There was a point in time that it was unheard of for women to be in such working roles. It was thought that a woman belonged at home while the man worked outside the home. I have never been a stay at home mom and at times have been envious of those that have that opportunity. Staying at home is work too so I am not knocking it in the least. It is not couch time and soap opras like many perceive it to be. I have always desired to be a leader even from an early age. I can remember picking kick ball teams in elementary school so perhaps that is when it all began for me. We all love to pick our own teams. We want only the best players on our team because we want to win. I am blessed with an awesome winning team. Some team members were on the prexisitng team prior to me becoming their leader. I've had the opportunity to select new team members when others have retired their jerseys after years of playing the game or changing their venue. Being a woman leader of a dozen men has it's challenges at times but at the end of the day we are still on the same team, working together safely to be successful at our jobs. Working in a male dominant environment and industry has contributed to the person I am today. It has given me a greater respect and apprecation for teamwork. Gender is not an issue when it comes to being a team player. We have a variety of knowledge, personalities, ideas, opinions and views that when compiled together make us a champion team (in my opinion). Yes, I am partial to my team and they know it. "Teamwork makes dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team," John Maxwell. A bad leader can destroy a great team and a bad team can destroy a great leader. 

"A leader is the one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way," John Maxwell. If you are the leader then it is up to you; to generate enthusiasm, give credit where and when credit is due, develop and inspire others, if you want to build and have a winning team. I could write on and on with what I think it takes to build a winning team but the most important key to me is being up-front and honest. Being up-front from the beginning so that others know what to expect and there are no surprises. Be honest in all aspects which earns respect and sets a precedence of your own expectations. Establishing expectations helps to eliminate unknowns and creates a better working environment and better relationships. Teamwork is just that, work but by working together towards the same goals, everyone is a winner. To all of you women out there that are seeking to be a leader, Go For It! If you are already a leader then kudos to you! It may take working harder at times to stay at the top of your game but it will be worth it. A great team builds a successful leader and great leader builds a successful team. Be Great!