The changing definition of Leadership

Changing times are changing the meaning of leadership for women. Stephanie Rogen is a leadership consultant, executive coach and LeadershipAdvisor to The White House Project. In an interview with Forbes, she shares what it takes to be a successful leader in our times.

According to Rogen, as technology is continuously changing the way we work, what are perceived as “soft skills,” are proving to be vital traits to a leader.  She adds that leadership today is more relational, and being able to influence others a useful quality. She believes women can fashion their style of leadership according to their personality. Where an introvert will be an effectively leader by being a good listener and being strategic, a more creative person will be able to challenge traditional notions and try innovative ways to approach a problem.

The traditional image of a leader is changing too. We imagine a leader to be a spectacular public speaker who is capable of moving huge crowds with her/his speech. Rogen feels that leaders that are quieter and more reserved can also be lead well. She feels that even though they need to learn to speak up when needed and exude confidence; they can create their personal “brand” of leadership.

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Rogen believes that even though women today are as ambitious and educated as men, the lack of sponsors and especially role models, is holding them back. She says, “This is why we see many young women “opting out” or down shifting their careers.  They don’t see the road before them so they lower their expectations, sideline their ambitions, or make wholesale changes out of the corporate world.”

She feels that women, as competent as they are, need to develop a few more skills to cross the barriers they face at workplaces. Empathy, self-belief and confidence would help these new aspiring leaders of the changing world to reach their goals.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Forbes

http://www.forbes.com/sites/85broads/2012/09/20/how-the-definition-of-leadership-is-changing-for-women/