Heather Coleman

Transcript

As leaders, we tend to experience these pivotal moments. These moments where you realize you're in the seat you're meant to be in. These moments that hit you like a ton of bricks. For me, I remember it perfectly. I was sitting in a one-on-one meeting with a team member who had booked some additional time because she had something to share. Little did I know that share would forever change me. So, as she was speaking, I could feel my throat start to dry up, the tears well in the corner of my eyes, and the only way to really explain it, it feels like my heart was growing three sizes that day.

Yeah, I'm quoting the Grinch. Thank you, Dr. Zeus, for summing it up so perfectly. But carrying on, what she had shared was that she had just accepted a huge promotion that not only resulted in a big salary bump, but more aligned to her career goals. And it was the time that I had spent with her that empowered her and inspired her to go after more and do more. But after that meeting, all I kept thinking about was what the hell did I actually do and kick in the imposttor syndrome.

So I started reflecting on the leaders that I had in my life, their behaviors, their characteristics. And you want to know what the same conclusion was? It didn't matter if it was through sport or school or work. They all gave me the same things. Their time, their energy, their experience, but more importantly, empowerment. Now, empowering leadership is often described as guiding others to greatness, which sounds good in principle, except others includes that team member that hits reply all in all their emails.

And it's your job to inspire this person to stop. The truth is, empowering leaders actually don't know all the answers, but they know how to ask the right questions like, "What do you need to succeed?" or my personal favorite, what does good look like? And we know that these leaders, they don't micromanage, they macro encourage. They don't say, "Do it my way." They say, "Let's find the best way." And you know what happens when you empower others? It's strange. People get bold, creative, but more importantly, they take ownership.

The conversation turns from I need the answer to one that's more fueled with hey I've got a recommendation or even better hey I found the solution. And I know if you were to stop and think about it right now you'll remember that leader that sparked it all for you that empowered you to find your strength and carve your path. You also remember the ones who stifled your progress. Yep, that one. Some say they remember the exact moment that person tried to put out their light.

And I know we work real hard not to demonstrate those characteristics or behaviors because leadership isn't something that is just handed to you. It is earned through behaviors, actions, and sometimes even inactions. It doesn't matter who you know, the textbooks you've read, the people that helped you. It doesn't mean you've earned the title of leader. Regardless if you have a big title or you have people reporting to you, that doesn't make you a leader. I know for me, the person that sparked my flame, she's still in my circle today.

Thank goodness. And while she isn't the only one who helped inspire me and carve my path, her influence definitely impacts how I show up every day. Because there's honestly no greater gift than watching those around you succeed. And that's how I keep my imposter syndrome at bay. I show up to watch others thrive. It's great, but don't be fooled. Empowerment isn't soft. It's strategic. It builds trust, fuels innovation, and honestly, it makes your job a whole lot easier because when people feel empowered, they don't just show up, they show off, but in the best ways possible.

So to all you leaders or inspiring leaders out there, what I want you to do is to commit to empower and encourage because you're actually not here to be the hero. You're here to build more heroes. And great leaders don't just build teams, they build people. So I'll leave you with this quote. You are not a leader until you have grown other leaders because that is the real superpower. Thank you.

Transcript generated from the recording and lightly cleaned. Some names and wording may differ from the spoken speech.