Women’s voices. Women’s perspectives. That’s what drew me to the Wahine Forum 2020 for the first time and especially to the panel discussion on “Leadership is a practice, not a position,” with moderator Jennifer Oyer of Community Impact Advisors.
Day-to-day, we need leaders who do what they say – who have a “mindset of congruence,” said Faith Geronimo of Hawaii Information Service. What they think, say, and do need to be aligned.
In times of crisis, we sometimes need a different kind of leader – or maybe a different facet of leadership takes precedence.
“I look for a water leader,” revealed Susan Eichor of aio. “Someone who can fill in the spaces where a leader is needed, flowing around obstacles, with an ability to move seamlessly between the strategic and tactical, vision and execution.”
I love this idea of a water leader, someone who can react fluidly to change, take initiative, and yet welcome all to the table.
One thing to guard against is taking passive-aggressive actions, warned Ku’ulani Keohokalole of People Strategies Hawai’i. Don’t avoid confrontation and then have “parking lot conversations” to make decisions without the whole team.
It’s as if she were speaking to me personally. I try avoid confrontation and often “soften” my language so that it’s more a suggestion than a directive.
The panelists agreed that building relationships is key to being a leader. You need a sense of humility, to be welcoming, and to know when to offer guidance. Be intentional about reaching out. For example, keep doing those check-ins before and after meetings to see how people are doing.
And who checks in with leaders? It’s important to have good mentors who align with your goals and values, Eichor said. I think it’s equally important to be a good mentor and peer.
Keohokalole talked about women and “imposter syndrome,” the feeling that you are inadequate or doubt your own skills. “Sometimes we self-sabotage,” she warned. Geronimo advised, “Be who you are and put your heart behind you.” And Eichor added, “Create a space where people can be who they are.”
How do you have difficult conversations? Start with “What is your intention?” advised Keohokalole. Then figure out the right words, and speak in private.
How do you practice leadership? What are the traits that you look for in a leader, and that you want to strengthen in yourself?
Better Hawaii 