Oct 29, 2024
Dr. Gloria Wu, in her series on women in leadership, reflects on the unique challenges and strengths women bring to leadership roles. She references Rosabeth Kanter PHD's research, which suggests that women leaders tend to be more thoughtful and ethical, and that companies with a higher percentage of women on the board experience fewer ethical failures. Dr. Wu emphasizes that leadership is not just a "soft skill," but a crucial foundation for business success—without it, one may never reach the "hard" aspects of spreadsheets and revenue management. Drawing wisdom from figures like Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt, and John Wooden, she underscores the importance of surrounding oneself with supportive, positive people and trusting one's instincts in leadership.
Dr. Wu uses the metaphor of "The Energy Bus" by John Gordon to illustrate how leaders must take responsibility for their journey, steer towards their goals, and avoid "energy vampires" who drain positivity. She connects the idea of positivity to neurophysiology, explaining how cultivating positive thoughts can reinforce constructive brain patterns. Dr. Wu also links this concept to John Kotter's model of leading change, advocating for a clear vision, coalition-building, and the creation of urgency to drive progress. She concludes by encouraging leaders to pursue their mission with passion and to build teams that share their beliefs, reinforcing that positivity and purpose are the cornerstones of effective leadership.