Plan to be amazing: building in confidence, competence and communication.

• Author: Isozaki, Carol
• Position: Leadership skills

As a female professional, do you influence the room, or does the room influence you?

Too often I hear it's the latter, especially when we're not the most senior person in the room or the technical expert.

Here's what I believe: We all have the ability to impact and influence--in other words, lead--but often lack an intentionality or a personal accountability to deliver on those capabilities.

As someone who grew up and started my career incredibly shy, who lacked confidence, whose primary competence was book smarts and work ethic, and whose communications were admittedly underwhelming to say the least, I now realize and hold myself accountable for the critical role confidence, competence and communication play in my ability to lead.

In the process, I've grown significantly and have opened tremendous opportunities--one of my favorites being the privilege to support others in the leadership vision they have for themselves. It's not an overnight process, but we can make an impact quite quickly when we have a plan. I call it a "Plan to be Amazing!"

The Importance of Confidence

Without confidence, we often don't try. Which means our voice is not heard and our impact is not felt. I know; I was guilty of that strategy for years. Confidence is critical because it's about knowing that we're more than good enough and that belief is so strong that it catalyzes action--we raise our hand and deliver value. We let go of perfectionism, knowing that it's unattainable and that it's holding us back from even being on the playing field.

Why We Need to Expand our Definition of Competence

When we do raise our hand, the strength of the impact that follows comes from having competence beyond technical skills. What skills, beyond technical, do we need? First on that list is connecting with, reading and adapting to our audience. We need to make an emotional connection, leaving an imprint that goes far beyond doing a good job or being efficient. We need to be good at engaging with people, which often starts with allowing more of our authentic and dynamic self to shine. It's about expanding our focus front simply getting things done to creating high-value and distinctive experiences that others would be eager to sign up for again and again. That's how you build your following as a leader.

Why...