Boss babe refers to a type of female leader who has a military and direct style. Often viewed as tough, hard-nosed, with a prove-your-point approach. The problem with this, like any leadership style, makes me question,
Is that all you’ve got?
I mean seriously. Today’s leaders MUST be able to flex their styles. Am I the only person who has engaged the current workforce of a zillion different generations, experiences, and expectations? If you’re coming in hot (meaning you’re leading hard and fast and taking no prisoners) or if you’re a one-style-leadership leader, it’s going to be a rough and tumble ride, and you might not make it back up when you fall.
I’ve seen so much in the last 14 years that once I let my hair go grey, no amount of coloring could cover it. So I embraced the new me; that’s what working with leaders and executives will do to ya.
Just like making the choice to go natural was a real personal shift, changing up leadership styles for the appropriate situation can be as well. For me, I knew the Pam Green who colored her hair but I couldn’t quite embrace the one who didn’t. It took a hot minute, and ya’ll have seen the pictures to prove it. It was a very bumpy road.
Leading people can be just as bumpy. It’s easy for you to have one leadership style, but leadership is not about you as much as it is about creating shared values and meaning, ensuring people get on board and stay on board, and providing for the sustainability of the organization. You need a group of willing, even if reluctant, followers, and you won’t get that with just one style of leadership.
Practice adopting different styles for different situations. It will keep your team on their toes and make you a more effective leader.
Pam
