Leadership: 10 lessons on leadership and life
I created this list as part of the award ceremony speech at the annual Redwood City - San Mateo County Chamber Awards Dinner. I won Business Woman of the Year for 2011 and gave the speech on January 27, 2012.
These 10 lessons were each associated with a woman I greatly admired and who was in the audience that night. None of them knew they were included in my speech. After I read each one, the audience would guess who I was talking about. It was my way of honoring those who had gone before me, those I had learned from, and those who had served as role models and mentors.
The best business is always a family business, so treat those you care about like family. Italian Relatives are also a plus.
No news is good news. Keep your name out of the press unless you are winning an award, and have a good relationship with the press.
When you are leading a team, do not underestimate the value of humor, fun, and throwing a good party even if your husband says “no, not again.”
Be approachable; take time to listen to and be there for others no matter how busy you are. (Even if you are running a major hospital).
If you want a seat at the table, don’t just wait to be invited; arrive with something good to share.
Always be true to yourself. Always. Do this and you will have no regrets. Of course it helps to know who you are, so, see # 7.
Be clear and confident in your beliefs, values, and your leadership style, and be sure one of those values is taking time for the people you love and the things that make you happy (like going a bit overboard on decorating for the holidays).
Have a friend in your life, preferably a neighbor, who has your back, and is always there for an impromptu glass of wine (or two), a shoulder to cry on, or a good laugh.
Giving back to the community with your time is often more valuable than your checkbook because the work still has to get done.
It’s OK to hit the easy button when you need to. Now is a good time.
