Courageous Leadership: 7 lessons from Cindy Solomon on Women’s Equality Day

“Did you know that among all the CEOs in S&P 1500, there are more guys named John than all women?” This stunning statistic was revealed by keynote speaker and leadership guru Cindy Solomon, who shared insights on courageous leadership for women in the Vistage community at an event earlier this year.

In celebration of Women’s Equality Day (Aug. 26), we share her insights to guide women leaders navigating today’s challenging business landscape.

Solomon’s message is clear: Courage is at the core of effective leadership, especially for women in a world where gender equality remains a significant challenge. Here are the key takeaways from her talk:

1. Embrace everyday courage

Courage isn’t about fearlessness or dramatic acts of heroism. It’s about taking action despite fear, anxiety or uncertainty. Women, in particular, often underestimate their own courage. Solomon’s advice is to recognize and embrace the small, everyday acts of bravery that define courageous leadership. As she highlights, most women make courageous decisions daily, even if they don’t always recognize it.

2. Overcome the confidence gap

Women are less likely to apply for opportunities unless they meet all the qualifications, while men apply even when they don’t. Solomon’s advice? “Say yes way before you’re ready.” Women need to trust in their abilities and step into roles that challenge them. Building confidence is crucial, and it starts with acknowledging the courage you already possess.

3. Understand the four types of courage

Solomon identifies four types of courage that leaders use:

• Blind Courage: The gut-driven leap of faith, essential in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Role Courage: The confidence that comes from being well-trained and prepared, enabling leaders to make the best decisions for their teams.
• Crisis Courage: The instinctual reaction to life-or-death situations, which should be used sparingly to avoid burnout.
• Core Courage: The deep, personal understanding of your values and goals, providing a steady guide in times of chaos.

Effective leaders know when to tap into each type of courage, using them strategically to navigate challenges.

4. Build a strong support network

Solomon emphasizes the importance of creating and enabling a network of allies, including male allies who can advocate for women in leadership roles. It’s not enough to support gender equality in theory; allies need to take actionable steps, such as recommending women for opportunities and addressing microaggressions in the workplace.

5. Prioritize and protect your time

Time management is critical for leaders. Solomon introduces the “Hundred Dollar Test” as a way to prioritize tasks that move your business forward. At the end of each day, identify the three tasks that will have the most significant impact and focus on completing those first. This practice not only increases productivity but also fosters a sense of accomplishment.

6. Model work-life balance

Women leaders often struggle with caring for themselves while managing their professional and personal responsibilities. Solomon urges leaders to model work-life balance, demonstrating they can take time off and prioritize well-being without sacrificing success. This balance is essential for personal health as well as retaining top talent and fostering a sustainable work culture.

7. Lean into your strengths

Women need to be clear about their unique strengths and articulate them confidently. Understanding what you bring to the table and where you can add the most value is crucial for both personal and organizational success. Leaders should also mentor others, helping them to identify and leverage their strengths.

Courageous leadership is not just about bold actions; it’s about making thoughtful, informed decisions that align with your values and strengths.

For women leaders, embracing courage in all its forms is essential for navigating the complexities of today’s business world and advancing gender equality. As Solomon reminds us, everything you want for your business and your life is just outside your comfort zone. It’s time to take that step.

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