Ways To Become An Authentic Leader

January 2, 20232 Minutes Read
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" I had no idea that just being your authentic self could make me as rich as I have become. If I had, I would have done it a lot earlier!" - Oprah Winfrey

Indian women are making their leadership presence felt in various fields. Be it business, education, health, politics, finance, science, etc.; she is constantly evolving and reaching newer heights at regional, national and global levels. People tend to look up to such women for inspiration and motivation. However, organisational norms and culture can influence her leadership style and behaviour. This often leads to suppressing one's values and style, which could impact her productivity.

Hence it is crucial to lead with a unique style and become an authentic leader.

What does Authentic leadership mean?

Authentic leadership is when leaders behave genuinely and always stay true to who they are, no matter the circumstances. A genuine leader develops a healthy alignment between values and behaviour- a decisive factor, especially in the lives of women leaders. Leaders adopting authentic management tend to inspire trust, loyalty and better output from their subordinates.

How do you become a successful authentic woman leader?

Authentic leaders are not born with this skill; they develop and nurture this style from the experiences gained over the years as a leader. Here's what you can do to lead more authentically.

Be Self-Aware

Delve into yourself. Find out your strengths and weaknesses, values, likes and dislikes---things that are important to you and things you want to change. Self-understanding is the critical component of behaving and leading authentically. Set aside time to reflect and learn more about yourself.

Assess and Evaluate

Once you become aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you will be in a better position to align your behaviour with your beliefs. Focus on what you have given up, what is most important to you and what you want. What you decide could change at various points in your life. Set goals for yourself, and ensure they align with your values.

Act

Once your goals are set, act upon them. Change doesn't happen overnight; take time to introduce these changes. Take small steps to align your behaviour with your most important values. You may focus more on your well-being, for which you may cut back on your work time. It may affect your job performance, but focusing on yourself could make you more resilient and help you become a more productive woman leader.

Seek support

Asking family and friends to help you in your journey to becoming an authentic woman leader can help you achieve your goals faster. They can offer you different types of support. But developing authenticity may sometimes require you to go against what others advise you. Listen to all, but trust your gut. Remember, no one knows you better than you know yourself. Do what is right for you.

Becoming an authentic woman leader is a lot of hard work. But stay committed to the purpose. It is worth the effort. Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation) provides excellent tips, courses and guidance to understand the meaning of authentic leadership.

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February 19, 20242 Minutes Read

Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.