Own Your Own Space! These four words were shared by a participant in a recent group session for emerging leaders. You could have heard a pin drop. The discussion was around leading projects of impact and the importance of ensuring that you maintain the ownership of your ideas, actions and being responsible for the change these bring. This is important for all leaders, but as suggested in this recent session, especially important for those emerging into leadership. Why? Because based on information shared, it appears that some established leaders can and do take ownership of other’s ideas and actions. Can you believe that? So, given this is likely to be a reality for some of you, let’s take a look at some of the key ways you can own your leadership space.
Firstly, let’s look at what it actually means to step into your own space. When you own your space it really means that you show the world that you belong, you have value and believe in this value, you are unique and have a lot to offer others. This translates into having a presence and being recognised for the knowledge, skills and expertise that you have. Have you ever seen someone walk into a room or join an online forum and think to yourself wow, I really want to meet them and hear what they have to say? Well, if you have, this means this person definitely owned their own space.
Before you read on. Ask yourself this question. Do you own your own space? Owning your own space requires a healthy dose of self confidence.
“People think that confidence comes from receiving a lot of external validation and recognition for your looks, strengths or gifts but in truth, confidence is a natural byproduct of accepting yourself at the deepest level.”
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Here are some suggestions for things that you can do right now to own your space. Take a look and see what you can put into place today. You can do this no matter what age or stage you are at in your career. We know the earlier you do it, the better!
1. Step into Your Leadership Space
You can only step into your leadership space and own it when you recognise you are worthy of this space. You need to believe in yourself! Know your strengths and know that what you have to offer is of value.
2. Know That You Belong
Take up your place. Meet and sit among other leaders. Sit around the table. It’s time for you to know this is where you belong and that others recognise your leadership. You will know you belong when you have ideas, knowledge and or skills that others don’t have.
3. Shine
Become super aware of what makes you unique. This will be knowledge or skills that you have developed along with your experience. Recognise the value of these. These are yours and yours alone. Allow these and yourself to shine in this space. This is not about big noting yourself or trying to show that you are better than anyone. It’s about identifying and owning what makes you unique and then stepping in and owning this space. You are taking up your own space, you’re not taking someone else’s. It’s not a competition, it’s about charting your own unique path. Your confidence in yourself gives others confidence in you. It’s a win win!
4. Bring Your Positive Energy
Knowing that you belong will give you positive energy. It’s about believing in yourself. This energy radiates from within. Everyone loves being around those who have clear, clean and positive energy. Do an energy check right now. If 10 means you have clear, clean and positive energy and 0 means that you don’t have any positive energy at all, how would you rate yourself? What number would you give yourself. If it’s less than an 8 then ask yourself how can I develop more clear, clean and positive energy to attract others to be around me and listen to what I have to say?
Over to you
You’ve read this far, so choose a few suggestions and put them into practise soon. Reach out if I can help in any way. I’d love to hear how these work for you. Email me here. Good luck and keep supporting your own leadership development and journey and own your space! You’ll be glad you did.
Until next time!
