Women at SMU Share a Different View of Leadership

Last week, YourOnRamp was at the 43rd Annual Women’s Symposium at SMU in Dallas which was focused on Educating Women for Social and Political Leadership. One apparent theme was that leadership is a process and each step needs to be respected. Don’t we all aspire to lead? Wouldn’t it be nice if we could skip up the steps to a leadership position? The symposium was comprised of multigenerational participants and the older women were advising the younger generation that a leadership role is often earned.

The keynote speaker, Eleanor Clift, contributing editor at Newsweek and former White House correspondent, talked about her beginnings as an administrative assistant. She performed at her best, in every position, believing in herself each step of the way. She never dreamed she would end up as a regular panelist on the nationally syndicated show, “The McLaughlin Group” years later.

While encouraging students to take on leadership roles, some educators lamented that the younger generation was sometimes unwilling to participate if they couldn’t be top dog. They recommended that the generation which looks at all opportunities in terms of their value on an application or resume needs to take a broader view. Panelists and audience members discussed the importance of being a team player and leading by example. Leading by your actions, even without a title, is an important means to effecting social and political change.

As OnRampers, we know how to take on roles that don’t come with a grandiose title. “Mother” is an essential job, but not the title is not easy to leverage in the business world. Sometimes we volunteer in titled roles because that leadership and those skills are transferable to the workplace when we return. But don’t overlook the significance of being a team player in volunteer organizations, as well. Just because you can’t be the one in charge, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t contribute. Sometimes, it is just as important to a potential employer that your team accomplished a significant task as a result of your input and involvement. Many hiring managers want to know that you are a team player.

Remember, too, that when you return to the workforce you may not immediately get the title you knew you were destined to have. Respect the process of the OnRamp. It is not an elevator and you can’t always get out on the executive floor. But don’t be afraid to get on the ramp, believe in your value, and anticipate the unseen leadership roles in your future. You might surprise yourself (but probably not those who believe in you already)!