When power feels like a scarce resource, people will compete with one another to grab what influence they can. Historically, women have perceived that a small amount of power and opportunity are available to us—and that these resources are controlled and granted to us by others. So when some small door of opportunity cracks open, we greedily shove one another out of our way in an effort to be the first—or better yet, only—woman through the gap. We often feel we must compete with one another to win a share of influence, and we resent one another for successes, believing other women’s achievement inherently erodes our own. The irony here is that in buying the idea of scarcity and bruising each other on our way through the door, we essentially guarantee that the real power stays in the hands of others.
So what happens when, instead, women stop focusing on scarcity, recognize their own abundance, decide to stop competing, and support each other? They find a kind of power they never would have otherwise: solidarity. For most women solitude is necessary and welcome, but it can become crushing. Particularly when words we painstakingly pour on paper are misunderstood, rejected, or harshly and personally criticized. Like everyone else, we need kind and understanding friends to help us see what’s true, to keep everything in perspective, and to keep going. But since we work alone, those friends can be hard to find.
You need people who love you but will tell you when you are royally screwing up. These people will help point out things that you may be too close to see clearly, or when you’re not seeing things objectively. It’s true, you screw up (as do I). You are human. It’s not in our nature to be perfect because perfection doesn’t exist. Having sisters around you that don’t have any other objective but your well-being are your best source of that elusive objective opinion. Your friends can see your crap and call you on it when you can’t see it yourself. When you have trusted people around you, they’ll be the first ones to see your patterns, good or bad.
Nurturing relationships are a two-way-street! You deserve time to nurture relationships that nurture you back. Having nurturing relationships outside of family isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. You will be a better person for you, and to everyone around you, when you give and receive with people outside of your family. Supporting other women is so rewarding and is the clearest way to receive the support you need when you need it. It just feels good to support others for no other reason other than you want to see them shine. All I want is the women I support, care about, work with, coach, educate, inspire and empower to be a million times more successful than me. Why? I was part of their journey and I will be there on the sidelines cheering them on.
In turn, research supports the finding that having a network of social contacts helps people have longer, healthier, happier lives. When you live your full of a sense of purpose, you wake up every day with something to look forward to. When women decide to support one another rather than compete—when they feel abundance rather than their own scarcity, and they share out of that abundance—great things can happen. When we take small steps in solidarity, watch out. We’ll make a difference. Because we’re together, and that makes all the difference. Be a cheerleader! Surround yourself with cheerleaders!
Check out my NEW Online Courageous Group Coaching too!
Reach out to me today as I would LOVE to hear from you at sonia@soniamcdonald.com.au
About Sonia
Sonia McDonald believes we should lead with kindness, from the heart, doing rather than telling and is known for her mantra ‘Just lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her one on one practical coaching, leadership training for teams and organisations encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped hundreds of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.
For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of HR. She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader.
Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is recognised as a LinkedIn influencer and has become an in-demand keynote speaker, starts important conversations.
She is an award-winning published author and writes regularly for publications such as The Australian, HRD Magazine, Smart Healthy Women and Women’s Business Media. Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, developing work-life balance, championing the up and coming leaders of tomorrow and advocating for women in business and male-dominated industries.
Keynote Topics for 2019
Sonia will give you peace of mind when booking a speaker. She is a proven world-class professional speaker with the skills to “rock an audience”. Her energy, empathy, kindness, sensitivity, and humour will enhance any event she appears.
- Leadership Attitude
- Just Rock It
- Leadership for Small Business
- Leading the Next Generations
- Courageous Leadership
- Future Leaders of Leadership
- New Kindness of Leadership
Phone 1300 719 665 or +61 424 447 616
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