Linkage Women in Leadership (2022): Themes & Takeaways
Another Linkage Women in Leadership Institute (WIL) has ended and my heart is as full as ever. After 9 years, you'd think the magic would have worn off, but it hasn't. I find that I get just as much out of the experience as the women attending for the first time. I’m walking away this year with a few key themes and takeaways.
Authenticity in Service of Something
Once again the topic of authenticity as our core super power rose to the top, though this year it went beyond just being authentic, but being authentic in service of something. Caroline Wanga brought that home when she said, "The architecture of our authority is the unmitigated gall to believe in a future others cannot see. That starts with knowing what we were born to do.”
That resonated with me and I'm still working through what it all means—but there is definitely something juicy there.
Building Relational Capital & Community
Continuing along the vein of being an authentic leader from wherever you sit, building relational capital and community was another theme. As we gain clarity about our own authenticity, it's our moment-by-moment actions that make an impact on how we are perceived.
Laila Ali talked about her strategic decision to join Dancing with the Stars in order to rebrand herself from world champion boxer to lifestyle brand leader.
Liz Wiseman talked about the moments when Impact Players step in and take action and thus differentiate themselves from the average high performer.
Leadership, influence, etc. is really a series of micro-moments that are put together to build impact.
Of all messages, this is a great reminder of how we at Bettman Consulting Group see our work. Inclusivity and high performing cultures are not achieved through grand gestures or big programs. They are achieved through daily, consistent, micro-moments added up that make a difference over time.
The Power of Affinity & Gathering
Finally, though not a specific topic of WIL, I am reminded of the power of affinity and gathering. Inevitably during the event, questions about men always come up: “why aren't the men meeting?” or, “why aren't we talking to the men?”
Men are meeting. They have been for years in men's clubs, on the golf course, at the bar after work, even at work for organizations that are still majority men. When women join, they are often expected to flex to the norms of those environments—which are usually defined by men (conversely, all of those spaces with majority women or majority of any other group, would also ask others to flex to the norm behaviors of the majority group—no judgement).
That's why being in a space of over 1000 women for an entire week is magical. Being in a space where one doesn't need to worry as much about flexing into the norm, being with others who are experiencing the same issues, or just being in an environment where the energy is mostly aligned to yours allows for safety, space, and permission to explore our authenticity. It's a gift to take that time.
For me, I am looking to spend more time in a community with amazing women doing amazing things, whether it's events like this or more intimate retreats. These are not things I have taken time for and I am finally learning that it's these communities that fill my tank so that I can continue to go out in the world and do what I need to do.
Cheers to another great event, to my fellow Linkage attendees, and to continued growth.