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ative solutions as well as differences of
opinion.
They encourage people to chal-
lenge the status quo to improve organiza-
tions. They allow people to be authentic so
they can truly contribute.
4. Individualized Consideration:
Transformational leaders focus on men-
toring and developing the strengths of
their employees.
They treat everyone as an
individual and draw out their uniqueness for
the good of the organization. These leaders
truly know their staff and about their life
outside of work. In the words of Theodore
Roosevelt, “No one cares how much you
know, until they know how much you care.”
The Balancing Act
Leadership for women is a balancing act
of confidence, knowledge and skill. It’s tricky
to maintain that equilibrium because as an
authority figure you must often be the decid-
ing voice on decisions. But when women lead
as a coach and from a mindset of service
rather than authority, they build loyalty.
While men can succeed with domineer-
ing leadership styles focused on control, it is
the source of those dreadful stereotypes when
the same style is used by women. In addition,
leaders of both sexes are more successful
when inspiring and motivating teams to work
collaboratively to achieve success rather than
ordering others to perform, and this style
plays especially well for female leaders.
Many women have an innate ability to be
transformational leaders. They need to step
forward to lead, not in a style that mimics
men, but in their own authentic style.
Furthermore, women leaders have the
responsibility to mentor and assist younger
women to do the same.
In the words of Sasha Pirrie, vice presi-
dent of sales for supplier Logomark and one
of the 2015
PPB
Rising Stars, “Be yourself. It
is important to know the product line, your
company’s message and your customer’s busi-
ness—but always be yourself.”
Kathy Finnerty Thomas is
president of Chandler,
Arizona-based distributor
Stowebridge Promotion
Group. She leads a company
culture based on a strong
vision and values which can
only happen with authenticity,
integrity and trust.
Her passion is public
speaking and working with
companies to train and facili-
tate programs on leadership,
building a values-based cul-
ture and delivering exception-
al customer service. She also
actively volunteers at the uni-
versity level speaking to and
mentoring students.
When women lead as a coach and from a mindset of service rather than
authority, they build loyalty.
“
”
FEBRUARY 2016 •
PPB
• 23
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