The Confidence Factor for Women: Too Emotional to Be Successful?
As the Confidence Factor for Women in Leadership continues to grow as an international movement to change the lives of women who need the confidence to lead, I reflect on a conversation that once challenged the way I used to negotiate (if that is what you want to call it) in my professional life. In my former career as a law student and mentee, I would become emotionally invested in the opportunity and never consider my value to the collective of the corporation.
My emotional decisions left a bitter feeling in my mindset as I would try to gauge being ‘like” vs. being respected. So much has changed in the last 13 years since I have been the key decision maker of my own companies and advisor to others -the value of emotional leadership and the effect on women.
Yes, we are emotional, but you do not need to lead from a emotional space if you are committed to effective and profitable leadership. The conversation that changed my life was from a well respected advisor of mine in the past who once told me that real leaders lead with the vision of the growth of the company in an effort to reward the team, not from emotion.
However, I have a different belief
Yes, you can be an emotional leader and be successful. However, when it comes to the growth of your company, forecasting is necessary, not “feelings.” Never make the mistake of becoming emotionally invested in people who are not emotionally invested in the growth of the team. You will encounter the inevitable of creating friendships, rather than managing your staff and growing your vision.
Yes, you can be an emotional leader and be successful, but timing is everything. I consult with women daily who literally advertise their insecurities, fears and emotions for all to see. Remember, there is a time and place for everything, including your feelings.
Finally, yes you can be an emotional leader and be successful, but value matters. Value is how you show up in the market. Never become vulnerable to volume that you forget to add value.
To learn more about joining the Confidence Factor for Women in Leadership movement for exceptional leaders, visit www.theconfidencefactorforwomen.com
Carol Sankar is a business advisor for high level executives, service based visionaries and a leadership expert who is committed to assisting passionate, high-achieving leaders simplify their lives while increasing revenue by becoming productive, not working harder. Carol has been featured in Madame Noire, LearnVest, The Steve Harvey TV Show, CNNMoney.com, TEDx, Daily Worth, Entrepreneur Magazine and Essence Magazine
For details, visit www.carolsankar.com