mentoring roles with those around us. Government offers opportunities to explore many career options and USDA has much to offer any woman seeking a career change or even a chance to step up. It is time for each of us to empower ourselves, take calculated risks, and push ourselves forward with the support of our mentors and colleagues. Leadership Leadership requires emotional intelligence, compassion, authenticity, and fairness, to – name just a few competencies that define a leader. It takes the ability to create an environment where employees are empowered, supported, understood, and thereby motivated to follow and lead. A great leader is one who can listen carefully, spend time asking questions, giving employees the space to be creative and decisive enough to make difficult decisions in difficult situations. I strongly believe that women make the most powerful leaders I know. Career Evolution Careers are fluid and being able to evolve with an organization, manage change, and – be flexible is critical in developing a career path. Recognizing that yes, women have come a long way in holding high level positions with significant influence; however, we cannot lose our momentum or stay complacent. Not everyone has to or should aspire to senior level positions, but it is critical to know yourself well enough to be able to determine where and how you find your own personal rewards from the work you do. A career is constantly evolving even if you feel it has stalled there is growth and – – change. Recognize the things that you can do to place yourself in the optimal position for being able to take on the types of roles and responsibilities you see for your career path. Best Career Advice Seek to know yourself. Never stop examining your values, your beliefs, your – motivations, your confidence, and your fears. The more you know who you are and what you stand for, the better decisions you will make with regard to every aspect of your life, including your career decisions.
mentoring roles with those around us. Government offers opportunities to explore many career options and USDA has much to offer any woman seeking a career change or even a chance to step up. It is time for each of us to empower ourselves, take calculated risks, and push ourselves forward with the support of our mentors and colleagues. Leadership – Leadership requires emotional intelligence, compassion, authenticity, and fairness, to name just a few competencies that define a leader. It takes the ability to create an environment where employees are empowered, supported, understood, and thereby motivated to follow and lead. A great leader is one who can listen carefully, spend time asking questions, giving employees the space to be creative and decisive enough to make difficult decisions in difficult situations. I strongly believe that women make the most powerful leaders I know. Career Evolution – Careers are fluid and being able to evolve with an organization, manage change, and be flexible is critical in developing a career path. Recognizing that yes, women have come a long way in holding high level positions with significant influence; however, we cannot lose our momentum or stay complacent. Not everyone has to or should aspire to senior level positions, but it is critical to know yourself well enough to be able to determine where and how you find your own personal rewards from the work you do. A career is constantly evolving – even if you feel it has stalled – there is growth and change. Recognize the things that you can do to place yourself in the optimal position for being able to take on the types of roles and responsibilities you see for your career path. Best Career Advice – Seek to know yourself. Never stop examining your values, your beliefs, your motivations, your confidence, and your fears. The more you know who you are and what you stand for, the better decisions you will make with regard to every aspect of your life, including your career decisions.
Women%20in%20Leadership%20-%20Flash%20Mentoring%20Topic%20Responses.docx