Why You Need to Step Outside Your Clique to Lead

I’ve noticed that too often women in organizations put themselves in silos. They spend much of their time with women of similar backgrounds.

If you want to be a leader and be seen as one, you must move out of your clique. At first you may be uncomfortable as you branch out, but not only will your life be more enriched, you’ll have a better chance of success  within your  organization and with people you interact with outside.

Here are three ways to practice the kind of thinking that will help you step out of your comfort zone.

Decide to be curious and interested in learning about other cultures. Be willing to take a risk, observe other people’s behaviors and ask appropriate questions. View situations from another perspective.

Look for differences and similarities. Be mindful of the fact that not every person from a particular culture, gender, generation thinks the same, and that there are differences based on other factors

Make your mind a clean slate. When you are observing other cultures, do so with the intention of learning. If you find yourself being judgmental, do a thought intervention. Reframe your inner conversation by thinking, “That’s interesting. I want to know more.”  This also means being conscious of your own biases. I’ve known more than a few women who insist that “male  thinking styles” are all wrong, instead of realizing that diverse thinking styles make us strong.

-Simma Lieberman, "The Inclusionist"
Career Coach
www.simmalieberman.com