A Call to Leadership - Transforming Your STEM Career Through Leadership and Innovation - page 15

examine how you can define your strengths. However, you can make a start
now by keeping just one thing in mind - don't be modest, be honest!
2. Make a commitment.
It is not easy being a leader and it can be very demanding - your life is
probably already very full and to make this step toward leading is a definite
commitment. You may feel that you can't afford to get involved. If you feel
strongly enough about something, you will be able to find a way to rearrange
your life a little so that you do not have to give up on other things that are
important to you. Sure, it means extra effort, but you will find the personal
rewards you derive worthwhile. Being a leader is never going to be easy.
Success requires that you juggle different roles and manage time well. Don't
let it put you off. The struggle is worth it and the fruit at the top of the tree
is always the sweetest.
3. Choose the issue you want to get involved in.
Find an area where your unique contribution will make a real difference. It
may be as small a matter as getting the street around your home repaired, or
getting extra streetlights in your neighborhood, but your contribution here
is of great importance. You see, the issue itself is not of importance; what is
important is your commitment to it. Don't compromise on the level of com-
mitment. If you compromise on your involvement, you compromise your
chances of success. Make a list of these issues that matter to you.
4. Understand that leadership is a learning process.
Be willing to take time to know about leadership. Read, observe, take a note
of the leaders around you and in the areas that matter to you. The best way
to learn is to observe. Find a female leader championing a cause you care
about and support her. When you shadow someone, you come to understand
the finer nuances of leadership.
5. Understand what it means to be an innovator.
Understand what innovation involves, as well as the type of environments
where your innovative skills will be nurtured. This should also include tak-
ing time to develop strategies that focus on innovative approaches or innova-
tion development as a method to refocus your career. Additionally, you will
learn how to evaluate the merit of your ideas from an innovation perspective
as well as gaining an appreciation for the relationship you will need to be a
successful innovator.
Believe you can be an innovator and leader.
You can do it, but you have to stand up for yourself. Recognition of your
efforts and for your achievements is a tool that will empower you as a leader.
You have a right to demand recognition for what you have achieved. It ben-
efits not just you, but your cause, and also our collective cause of seeing
women advance in all walks of life. Recognition gives you the respect of
others and endorses you with the authority to take more responsibility.
A woman ready to play hardball has her motives and sexuality questioned
at every step. Young women of today, especially those in college, are ready