The [Stinging] Question That Changed My Career Forever

I can vividly remember the day my entire career shifted because of one question a mentor asked me.

She said to me…”You’re a really nice person, but is nice what you want to be known for?”

Now, this woman was a brass-tacks, down-to-business, get-it-done type of person.

I was in a program for emerging leaders in my former corporate role and I chose this mentor because she was everything I wasn’t. And I wanted to learn from her.

She went on to explain that she didn’t want me to be viewed as a doormat (and she also explained - very clearly - that that was her perception of me).

(Even though I vehemently disagreed with her opinion) my face stung and turned red with anger. I tried to keep my mouth closed so my jaw didn’t drop to the floor. All I could do was blink in response. I was truly shocked.

On my long walk out of her office and back to mine, I had never felt so much conviction about the type of leader I wanted to be.

“F*&% yes, I want to be known for being a nice person,” I thought to myself.

No matter what. Always.

From that day forward, I got crystal clear on the type of leader I want to be - and kind is at the top of that list.

Although the “traditional leadership mold” may not include traits like: soft-spoken, kind and introverted. I am all of those things - and I embrace them fully.

And I’m also respectful, collaborative, savvy, and have an ability to bring the best ideas forward.

And I’ve found that because of my unique leadership style:

• People are more willing to come to me and open up about problems they’re trying to solve.

• People are more willing to share their ideas and solutions (and more receptive to hearing mine).

• People are more willing to work together to get results (and faster) than trying to go it alone.

And I fully believe that’s because I always try to show up with kindness and respect for others. That’s who I am and what matters most to me.

Now, I believe this mentor genuinely did want me to succeed. I think she was trying to prepare me for what I might face as my career progressed and I appreciate that.

But that memorable day, my mentor taught me that instead of trying to fit into others’ leadership molds, I want to succeed by fitting into my own.

And that’s what I want for you, too.

If any part of this story resonates with you - here’s what I want you to know:

• You don’t need to change your values and what you stand for in order to succeed.

• You get to decide what type of leader you want to be.

• When you lead authentically, your impact grows exponentially (mine sure did).

And, today, I invite you to ask yourself the question: What do you want to be known for?

It’s a powerful one that can truly shift the course of your career, too.

I’m so passionate about helping you become the best leader you can be - in your own, beautiful and authentic way.

If you’d like to discover your unique leadership style, let’s connect. I love, love, love hearing from you.