12 Leadership Lessons I gleaned for Individuals from Madeline Albright
Joining the parade of tributes to an outstanding diplomat from a complex background who was a standout in so many ways, I offer up these tips to aspiring legacy-makers from reviewing her accomplishments. They are not just for women, but for all ages and diversities.
Have a value system you check in with frequently. (This is why we often start with asking a guest’s core values in our podcast episodes.)
Give hope to others that they can lead.
Don’t be held back from where you began.
Patience – Don’t judge the strength of the impact you can have too soon.
Sometimes your greatest impact can be as “the glue,” rather than standing out.
Look for opportunities to mentor – and be mentored.
Surround yourself by bright people and listen to them.
Don’t get stuck in your long-held views if the situation requires adaptability/flexibility
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have fun in your work and outside work.
Find creative ways of (silent) expression.
Experience can and should lead to wisdom, an advantage young people lack, so be a perpetual explorer and try out new things.
Don’t lose sight of your and the organization’s mission and purpose.
Call to Action: Ask yourself how many of these lessons you are already incorporating. Which of the others are on your priority list? I’m happy to have a conversation on how we can help each other with feedback on these lessons and staying accountable for following them.