So many changes take place when you get promoted to a leadership position. Apart from the practical changes such as the job responsibilities and salary increase, no one appreciates the psychological and emotional changes that take place. Here are 7 young women who are letting you know how leadership has changed them.
Leadership has a lot to do with change and how one copes with the changes matters a lot. Transitioning to a leadership role takes a lot of sacrifice and change in your work and personal life. You will have to change your behavior to accommodate your leadership mindset and skills.
We’ve tried to paint a picture of the changes that you will experience when you become a leader. Let’s look into the leadership experience shared by these exceptional young women leaders.
Lucy Waceke, Systems Manager, Chai Sacco Society Limited
“I remember my first leadership position like it was yesterday. I was unprepared but extremely excited for the promotion. The fear that came with guiding people who were my peers and them having to refer to me as “boss” was unmatched. All my plans suddenly seemed exaggerated and felt like I was delegating too much work to some people. I barely gave my team the chance to critique my work or come up with better ideas. But with time I grew comfortable and learned how to lead effectively, and I am still learning since then/ Learning never stops.”
Angie Macharia, Head of Human Resources, Associated Vehicle Assemblers
“I had a conversation with one of my supervisors four years ago, and while we spoke, he asked me what I would do differently if I became a leader - my quick response to him was that, when I got there, I wanted to lead by example. In the period that I have been a leader, I have learned that it's really about service. It's never been about the title or the corner office; to me, it's about the significant influence my actions have had on those who look up to me to lead. I'm talking to my mentor more now, I'm establishing healthy mental boundaries so that I can be at my best every day, and I'm networking more and having fun while doing it. It's all about finding a balance.”
Rachael Odhiambo, General Manager, Nairobi Garage, Spring Valley
“I believe I have always been a good communicator. However, being in a leadership role has meant that I’ve had to become an even better communicator. You realize that as a leader without proper communication, you will be leaving room for uncertainty to build. I’ve also learned to be a collaborator as you have to lead your team as a unit and that calls for collaboration to get things done. I believe that you cannot be an effective leader if you are shy and thus, being in a leadership role has helped boost my confidence and get me out of my comfort zone. Leadership has also meant that I have to rely on people and know that I cannot go at it alone. That has meant relying on my team and those who have walked the same path before me.”
Veronica N. Rose, Director, ISACA Board of Directors
Veronica has been in numerous leadership roles including being a Director at ISACA Board of Directors, Senior Information Systems Auditor at KPMG, Author of books like Being, Career Hygiene, Higher, Children and Computing, and Cyberhygiene for Children. When asked about the changes she experienced as a leader, she said this:
“To whom much is given, much is required. Leadership has taught me to be more of a servant than a manager. I cherish giving back, I take pride in mentoring others, I celebrate each and everyone’s effort or contribution regardless of how small or big. I see things differently (diverse thinking & perspective). Moreover, leadership taught me:
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The importance of delegating tasks.
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That customer service is not a department. That’s why I am the go-to person for so many who need assistance despite my busy schedule.
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Not to leave a mediocre life because I have so many who look up to me and now I can’t afford to live against my standards.
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To live an authentic life, be me, and muchly improved my confidence. The world relates with you more.
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Giving support, giving back, and celebrating each and everyone’s efforts on the team. Because I believe that you are not a team because you work together. You are a team because you trust, respect, and care for each other.”
Marion Oluoch, Regional Development Manager at Goodlife Pharmacy Africa
“I had never quite put much thought into my expectations of leadership until recently when taking stock and making New Year’s Resolutions - Yeah, I know, cliche! Admittedly, leadership is not what I expected it to be. When I got into my first leadership role, I struggled quite a bit as I had internal battles that I had to deal with as well as that invisible mental line that kept haunting me. I felt out of place and no longer part of the “gang” and this bothered me a lot.
As humans, we often yearn for recognition and leadership gives you a quick ticket to notice-highway. While I had similar expectations, to begin with, I quickly learned that being a leader and a great one is more than looks, eloquence, or your personality type. Leadership requires a lot of maturity and a mindset that if not founded on the right values will cost you heavily. Every so often, I laugh whenever I think of all the ‘humble pies’ leadership has subjected me to.”
As we go through life, we engage with individuals from different cultures who have different personalities and values. Leadership exposes you to opportunities through which you interact with more people. I have learned to appreciate each and everyone’s uniqueness while respecting their values.
As a leader, I had to change my attitude and learn how to effectively compartmentalize the different aspects of my life/work. 9-5 does not apply in leadership, which means I am never off-duty. I now perceive the world through a leadership lens, always on the lookout for the next best idea, hire, or trend.
It is easy to get caught up with ’things’ and therefore the value of being/living in the moment has become deeply ingrained in me. As an effective leader, paying attention to my teams/surroundings and showing a genuine interest in what transpires in their lives because I really care is integral.
On the professional front, I have changed my approach on demonstrating the what, why, how, and when to drive change within my teams.
My leadership journey has built my confidence, shown me the virtue of patience and I can confidently say that I am on the road to being a master.”
Luizer Makena, Regional Manager East Africa, Seamless HR
“Learning. This is not just as a leader but in general. It never ends even post-graduation, it is a simple constant in life.. I quickly learned that your team should comprise avid learners, people excited about discovering new ways to solve problems. Unicorns are built every day, but those that get to that race faster have a deep-rooted foundation of learning.
As a leader, I do believe in being a confidant to all. Someone approachable, someone who listens before acting, weighing all options to give the best sound advice.
Another constant in life is change. To everyone reading this, please learn to embrace it. Don’t shy away from it. For continuous growth, change has got to be part of that process and embracing that change and adapting to its ever-changing facets keep you alive.
This might be my best lesson yet. Risking up basically means taking risks. Ask for that promotion, apply for that job, ask for that pay rise. Go for it! However, do it after extensive learning, research, and data.
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Learning -Make sure you have learned in your current role enough to give you a boost for that management role you want.
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Research - Read, consult, network, get as much information about your next big “thing” as possible first before asking/going for it. Otherwise, you look unprepared and unsure.
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Data - Have as much data to back up your claims as possible. This gives everyone comfort that you know your stuff.”
Mary Njogu, Senior Associate at a Nairobi based Law Firm
“Leadership is not inborn. Look at leadership as a skill that needs to be developed through practice and constant mentorship. Through support, mentorship, and coaching I was able to overcome the challenges of leadership and lead effectively.”
Conclusion
As you transition to a leadership role, you need to know the changes you will experience. Once you know what aspects of your life will change, you’ll be able to adapt and transition into your new role with ease. Most importantly, enjoy your new position and embrace whatever changes you experience.
