Meet Dr. Carleta Alston
LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE
Anytime there is a call for someone to step up and join the leadership of an organization, there is some consternation about whether one can do the job. This is normal. Everyone, if honest, can relate to selfdoubting feelings and gremlins that whisper in your ear, "You can't do this." That's when you know that you can To solidify your confidence in being the leader you desire to be, take into consideration these important points:- Spend ample time in reflection to learn about yourself and your strengths and weaknesses. Self-awareness is critical to how a leader presents herself.
- Be intentional about listening to the people you lead and your colleagues. It will position you to garner useful information to make good decisions later down the line.
- Own the room. When you enter any space, walk in it with confidence, a smile, and straight posture. Whether you realize it or not, people are watching. They assess your body language. Let that language speak loudly and clearly that you know what you are doing
- Plan ahead so that you have an intelligent response around the boardroom table. There is nothing more embarrassing and strip confidence than to be put on the spot and not have the right answer. This requires knowing your craft well enough to give an answer on a moment's notice.
