This month I’d like to give a big shout out to moms (Mother’s Day is 10th May, don't forget!) and female leaders. How are the two so strongly intertwined?
Photographs: iStock
Text: Lyndsay Jensen
I recently shared a post on Facebook about being proud of living in a country with such strong female leadership like Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. It was a popular post that was trending, highlighting successful leaders around the world (all female) that are dealing with the current Covid-19 crisis effectively. I got me thinking about how being a mother. and a leader seems to go hand in hand, as we navigate (albeit not the virus) but crisis mode.
So how exactly does leadership tie in with being a mother I bet you're wondering? It's so important to be a leader at home and teach our children these concepts, and you can also apply these lessons to your business.
Ask yourself this question: What are a mother's most important roles? The answer can be complicated; often behind-the-scenes, moms are helping to shape the lives and character of their children - their roles as leaders are apparent in doing that. These leadership lessons from moms can be excellent tools to put into practice for people who want to make a difference in their families, communities, or business.
Great moms and leaders build strong teams
Working as a team is vital in business and family life. To get things done, people need to work together well. Effective leaders facilitate teamwork by encouraging cooperation among people and departments. Parents can promote a team mentality in their families by helping their children develop good and caring relationships with each other and providing opportunities to work and play together.
Great moms and leaders acknowledge and celebrate the best in their children or team
A mother is a child's biggest cheerleader, advocate, and most unwavering supporter. In this same way, great business leaders do the same for their teams.
Great moms and leaders are amazing multi-taskers
To get things done, moms become experts at doing more than one thing at a time. The same can be said for leaders, having to juggle many tasks and deal with stressful situations.
Great moms and leaders are present in the moment
While both motherhood and leadership require juggling multiple duties and responsibilities, they also demand the ability to shut out distractions and stay focused on a single task or person. Your children can tell when you're not paying attention, and usually call you out on it! Employees are the same, and it shows a lack of respect if you don't take the time to focus on them.
Great moms and leaders let their children or team shine
Moms may seem overshadowed or eclipsed by the presence or achievements of their children at times. Leaders may seem to disappear in the bright light of their organisation's accomplishments. The best ones fade to the background willingly, knowing that real success can be found in the influence they make in the lives of others. Wishing you all a happy mothers day, and hope you get to spend time with your moms through a call, zoom linkup or in person.