Leadership is Nurturing Growth in Others

Are you curious about the transformative power of leadership development? Join me in this latest episode, where we dive deep into the incredible journey of Marjorie Newman-Williams, President of Search for Common Ground. 

Early in her career, she encountered an ineffective boss, which sparked her interest in good leadership and its impact. Marjorie found herself asking, “Can you learn good leadership, and what are the basic things you need to know?” 

Marjorie shares how, in the middle of her career, she wasn't particularly focused on leadership and had the opportunity to be working at UNICEF.  UNICEF was growing women’s leadership at the time and Marjorie became part of a leadership development program that aimed at fostering leadership potential and increasing women's presence in leadership roles. The program centered on self-awareness, recognizing self-sabotage behaviors, making clear and open decisions, and emphasized networking and support among women.

“The leadership program validated my instincts to trust myself and taught me it was okay to ask for help. You don’t have to change your identity or your natural instincts. You just have to use them in ways that are intentional.”

Marjorie underscores some wonderful advice regarding leading through transitions and that leaders need to have these vital skills during times of change: the need for courage to step outside one's comfort zone, consistency, fairness, transparency, and self-care outside of work.

Remember the question she had…”Can you learn good leadership, and what are the basic things you need to know?”  She answers, “Leadership is no longer climbing a ladder, your focus needs to shift to being the person who enables others to be their best selves. Leadership can be taught, and you have to have the desire to lead and then figure out how to lead well.”

Big thanks for hanging out with us today, and a big thank you to Marjorie for this enlightening conversation and your openness in sharing your journey.