Why It Is Important for Women Leaders to Lead Themselves First
- Priyanka Shinde
- Mar 20, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 22
March is celebrated as Women's History Month globally to recognize the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It's crucial to acknowledge the importance of self leadership, and women starting with leading themselves first. Society has traditionally viewed women as primary caregivers, and their primary roles are caring for the home and children. This societal norm has led women to prioritize others' needs before their own, hindering personal development, and leading to burnout. Women have grown up with these expectations, and they feel guilty when they steer away from them. This guilt often arises from the belief that they are not doing something right or following societal norms, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
However, it is crucial for women to understand that it is okay to prioritize their needs and practice self-leadership and self-empowerment. Women who lead themselves first are more likely to show up for others in a genuine and authentic way. When women prioritize their own needs, they become better caregivers, professionals, and role models. Self-care helps women improve their mental and physical well-being, leading to an overall positive impact on their lives.
Leading oneself is vital as it enables a person to identify their values, needs, and aspirations. When a person leads themselves, they can create a life that aligns with their values and purpose. This personal alignment leads to greater fulfillment and happiness.
Put on your own oxygen mask first.
Leading Yourself First: 5 Steps for Women Leaders' Self-Empowerment
1. Assess your values and self-reflect
Assess your values and reflect on what is important to you. What do you get triggered by and what gives you joy.. It is essential to take a pause and ask yourself these questions so you can better understand your needs, values, and goals, leading to better decision-making. Self-reflection allows you to recognize your strengths and weaknesses and determine areas that need improvement.
2. Practice self-care and honor yourself
Do one thing every single day to prioritize self care and honor yourself, recognizing the importance of self-leadership. Start with small steps if needed but make sure you build it into your routine. Self-care can be as simple as taking a break, going for a walk, or doing something that makes you happy.
3. Set boundaries and honor your values
Once you know your values, you will know what can dishonor them. Learn when to say no and prioritize your needs over others' requests. Point out behavior that dishonors you and your values. Setting boundaries will help you avoid burnout and focus on your goals and priorities.
4. Build a support system
All women need a strong support system that encourages and motivates them to lead themselves. Support systems can be friends, family, mentors, or a professional network. A support system helps you overcome challenges and provides emotional support and guidance. They can help you amplify your voice and hold you accountable.
5. Invest in your personal growth
Women are as ambitious as their male counterparts and have similar professional life goals.. They seek opportunities that challenge them, want to learn new skills, and pursue their passions. At the same time, women often pull back from investing in themselves in favor of prioritizing someone else. One of the best ways to grow, is to invest in your personal growth. Give yourself time and financial support to make that happen. The financial investment you will make is in service for you - your happiness and success. It will help improve your self-esteem and self-confidence, leading to better decision-making and leadership.
I would love to hear from you on which steps you have taken to lead yourself first. I encourage you to take these steps as action items for the next week or month.
Also, Read: Empowering Women in STEM with Prashha Dutra
If you want to delve deeper into this topic, be sure to check out our podcast where you can listen to the extended version of this discussion
Do you find it challenging to juggle professional and personal priorities? I can help you manage your goals to create a balanced and fulfilling work life that aligns with your values. Contact me to set up an introductory call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is self-leadership important for women?
Self-leadership is essential for women as it empowers them to define and pursue their personal and professional goals independently. By mastering self-leadership, women can break free from societal norms that prioritize the needs of others over their own, leading to personal growth, greater resilience, and improved mental and physical well-being.
How can women prioritize themselves without feeling guilty?
Women can prioritize themselves without feeling guilty by reframing self-care as a necessary part of being effective in other roles they occupy, such as caregivers or professionals. Recognizing that taking care of oneself enhances one’s ability to care for others can help mitigate feelings of guilt.
What are the benefits of self-empowerment for women?
Self-empowerment allows women to assert control over their lives, leading to improved self-esteem, increased job satisfaction, and better overall mental health. Empowered women are more likely to take initiative, make impactful decisions, and serve as role models for others.
How does self-leadership contribute to women's personal development?
Self-leadership fosters personal development by encouraging women to explore their values, set goals aligned with those values, and engage in continuous self-reflection and learning. This growth leads to higher self-awareness, better decision-making skills, and more intentional living.
What steps can women take to cultivate self-leadership skills?
To cultivate self-leadership skills, women can:
Engage in regular self-reflection to understand personal values and goals.
Practice self-care and set boundaries to maintain mental and physical health.
Build a supportive network that encourages personal growth and accountability.
Continuously seek opportunities for learning and personal development.
How does leading themselves first impact women's roles as caregivers and professionals?
When women lead themselves first, they set a foundation of well-being that enhances their capacity to care for others and fulfill their professional roles effectively. They become more authentic, resilient, and capable of managing stress, which positively affects their interactions and professional performance.
What are some common challenges women face in practicing self-leadership?
Common challenges include overcoming ingrained societal norms that expect women to prioritize others first, dealing with guilt associated with self-prioritization, and finding time amidst busy schedules to practice self-care and personal growth activities.
How can women balance self-care and their responsibilities to others?
Women can balance self-care and responsibilities by:
Clearly communicating their needs and boundaries to others.
Efficiently managing their time to include dedicated slots for self-care.
Delegating tasks when possible to avoid overload.
Remembering that effective self-care ultimately improves their ability to care for others.
Are there any resources available to help women enhance their self-leadership abilities?
Numerous resources are available, including leadership workshops, self-help books, professional coaching, and online courses focused on personal development, time management, and effective communication. Networking groups for women also provide support and resources for enhancing leadership skills.
How can women support each other in embracing self-empowerment and leadership?
Women can support each other by:
Sharing experiences and strategies for overcoming challenges.
Offering mentorship and guidance to less experienced women.
Creating and participating in networks and forums that foster women’s empowerment.
Encouraging each other to pursue goals and invest in personal growth.
These steps and strategies can help women navigate the complexities of self-leadership and embrace a more empowered and fulfilled life.
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