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Powerful Advice Heard from Inspiring Female Leaders at Microsoft’s WPC15
The Microsoft’s World Partner Conference 2015 is finished, but the inspiring advice from successful women in tech that attended still lingers in the air. With this much solid information coming at you, it can take a few days to decompress and let it all sink in. A week, a month, or a year later, the insights from these women will still be applicable and enlightening.
On Leadership…”Be yourself”
Peggy Johnson, Executive Vice President, Business Development, Microsoft – Early in her career, advisors told Johnson to “speak up more and be more assertive.” After a while, she learned that one size does not fit all in leadership and that character and personality don’t change. “Be yourself,” she said, and those you lead will follow suit.
“Just Drop By”
When Johnson joined Microsoft ten months ago after 25 years at Qualcomm, she inherited a team. She established a “Just drop by” open-door policy that extends to IM, Skype, text and telephone—whatever it takes to keep communication lines open.
“Seek out…the quiet ones”
To make the best decisions a leader wants to hear all the ideas her team has. Johnson advised, “You’ve got to seek out not just the leaders of the team, but the quiet ones as well.”
“Make Unpopular Decisions”
The best leaders are often the ones that make unpopular, but necessary decisions. Johnson reflected on a boss she once had who had to recall a popular line of cellular phones because their high breakage rate threatened the company’s reputation. People will respect the leaders that are strong enough to stand behind difficult decisions.
On Building A Career…
Gavriella Schuster, General Manager, Microsoft Corp. – “Women can play a leading role in the technology transformation that is taking place right now,” Schuster said, “At the heart of what I think has helped me in my career is the network.” Build a strong peer network. Your network increases your stability and offers unparalleled opportunities to expand your business.
On Projecting Success…
Tiffani Bova, VP, Distinguished Analyst, Gartner – How confident are you that your authentic self is showing up to work everyday? Do you trust your own skills? Can you stand tall in a group of power women with your head held high?
“When you Think Big, you Become Big.”
Bova did not always stand straight and proud either, but she has mastered techniques that make her appear larger than life. For every woman with her shoulders slumped, Bova encouraged, “When you think big, you become big.”
Bova advised women identify those gifts that differentiate them from others. There is no magic wand or quick fix, you have to build your confidence muscle.
“What makes you unique?” Bova asked, “Own it.” If you attempt to change it, you will come across as inauthentic.
“Be open to learn.” Building muscles takes practice. Practice confidence building.
Bova said, ask yourself, “What positive qualities do you have? What is noteworthy about you? What adds distinct value when people work with you? And what is your signature benefit?” Answering these questions elevates your status in your own mind and leads to a shift in the confidence you project, and the way that others will see you.
