I recently read an article in Forbes magazine (2018) where it listed the 8 characteristics of a great leader.
They listed:
- Empowerment
- Great Communication Skills
- Sincere Enthusiasm
- Integrity
- Charisma
- Managerial Competence
- Loyalty
- Decisiveness
I know MANY female leaders and ALL of them show ALL of these characteristics, but NOT at the same time! So unless you know the Unicorn Leader, I think you would be better off understanding your cycle and seeing how you still be an awesome leader by tapping into each of these qualities at different times of the month.
Not sure where I am headed? I’ll explain….
Your body changes throughout the month, and this impacts your ability and strengths. There are times of the month when you have a huge amount of energy, you are a clear communicator and have clear direction in your thoughts. Whereas there are other times when you more focused on empowering others and showing dedication and loyalty to those around you. You also have a time when your strengths are in your managerial ability and steadfastness to the task. And times when you are more intuitive to the needs of your business and your people.
This is not a coincidence, the biochemical changes that happen in your body each and every month influence all matters of changes in your management style.
As women we travel through four phases. These phases impact everything about us, our moods and emotions, our physical health, our energy levels, even the clothing or accessories we choose to wear. But these phases also impact our level of tolerance we may have for things (and people), how creative we are in our thoughts and how passionate we are about getting something over the line.
Imagine as a leader understanding and utilising this tool. A tool we all have access too, as it is just about listening to our bodies and understanding what each phase looks like for us.
Tap into the the phase of power. Days 6 to 12 is your Daphne phase. A more energetic and enthusiastic phase, you lead through being so very clear in your vision and enthusiasm. Embracing your goals, developing your plan and inspiring all around you, they can’t help but be drawn to come along with you.
Make Hay. Days 13 to 16 is the Demeter phase, a phase which is a more compassionate stage, often allowing yourself more time and patience, resulting in you being more encouraging at this time. This is a great time to be a support and ensure others are nurtured and achieving great things for all.
Dig in. Day 17 to 28 is a longer phase we call Persephone. A phase that can be more challenging. Your emotions tend to be heightened and you seem to put more demands on yourself and those around you. This time you can feel more sensitive to others comments, as you may be a little short and or more abrupt than usual. However, when you are aware and supported, this phase can bring you great creativity to a project or challenge that has been in your sights.
Reflect on your work. Day 1 to 5 in your cycle is a phase we call Hecate. This phase is one of reflection. A more inward phase this can position you as a more reflective and insightful leader. Allowing you to assess and evaluate current situations with a sense of calmness and understanding.
Women should embrace each phase and allow the strengths each phase brings – creativity, patience, inspiration or reflection – to shine through. I don’t believe you need to be any one type of ‘leader’ the gift being the diversity we embody through our cycle each and every day.
Why not tap into this? Use these changes to highlight the strengths of this time in your cycle. Know when to do the ‘big picture’ planning strategy days and when to lock yourself in your office with a heap of tasks to get through. Know when knock over performance reviews and when to pitch for that big dollar proposal you are after. The Empowerment Cycle explains all this and more, learn how to use your cycle as a powerful internal tool and take on every challenge with your hormones on your side! http://emgoddess.thinkific.com/collections