Tapping into the leader in you

Better together

Tapping into the Tapping into the leader in you leader in you

Leaders surround us. We move through our world blindly and often do not realize the leadership attributes that lie within each of us.

The word leadership can mean different things to different people. It can be a difficult word to define because it is something that is reflected back on you by others — it is not merely a title or a role. More often than not, leadership is not about making everyone happy. It is about showing up, even when it would be so much easier not to, and helping others find their own success in a meaningful way. If you have raised children, taught others, participated in religious groups or served in professional organizations, you have tapped into your own leadership attributes and, in doing so, influenced others. At the end of the day, it is about knowing your ‘why’ — your reason for doing what you do.

Personally, I never expected to be regarded as “a leader” amongst my peers and colleagues in the water sector. And now, as I move to a new phase of my career — serving on the ROCKBlue Board of Directors — I regularly hear myself referred to in these terms. Which begs these questions: How does someone get to be considered a leader in their sphere of influence? Is it charisma? Is it determination? Is it something rare and innate that only others have? Is it by election? I believe that leadership ultimately comes from knowing and living your own ‘why.’

I was the first person in my family to attend university. I asked for help from my high school guidance counselor. Even though I had particularly good grades and was “scholarship-worthy”, she leaned over and told me to give up my dream of college and learn a trade. My family was poor and as a single parent was raising me, she did not think that I would find success in college and in the broader world. Oh how different my life would have been had I not known my ‘why’... I chose to listen to my heart and head and not external voices. I chose a life of public service, a rich life - filled with opportunities taken when challenges arose and an array of many fascinating people who have flowed in and out of my life, always willing to share their knowledge freely. This life has given me an ability to serve my many communities of choice in many ways.

The first step in a leader’s journey is to know yourself. Knowing what is important to you helps you determine your values, which then helps you make consistent decisions.

Leadership is not about making everyone “ happy. ”

Secondly, be intentional about seeking resources that will help you on your journey. Remember that you always have a choice about who you listen to, why you listen, what you take away and, most importantly, how you use that learning. Focus on words, feelings and ideas that lift you up and help you envision a positive future for yourself and others. Find the friends, mentors and colleagues that want the best for you, and just as important, you should always seek to find the best for every person that touches your life every day. Find the time to build real and personal connections with others. Every person has something for you to learn and it is our job to figure out what that take-away lesson might be.

Trust me, I know how hard this journey can be. As I navigated my world being one of the only women at the table for many years, I interacted with others whose values were not consistent with mine. I had to learn from them — sometimes the hard way — and move on. Realizing that we all make mistakes is important learning. Even more important is how you handle the results of the mistake and then take the necessary steps to move forward.

As women in the industry, let us continue engaging - to discuss our “why’s”, and help each other learn, grow and succeed!

by Karen Pallansch