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As published in:
The Velvet Hammer: PowHerful Leadership Lessons for Women Who Don’t Golf
- Elaine Allison, 2006
Foreword
There are two groups of people; those who believe in learning throughout their lifetime, and then everybody else. I refer to the first group as being on the “train of continuous learning”.
Everybody who is on the train of continuous learning has the potential to be a great leader. In order to increase your chances of being a successful leader, you need four key ingredients which include:
- willingness to “take charge”
- knowledge in your industry, field or organization
- Knowledge of effective leadership
- support from a mentor or a sponsor
When you believe in continuous learning, you create the environment and the opportunities for you to learn and improve your leadership every day. Access to the skills can be daunting and expensive. This book is not only an effective way to get access to the skills from a compelling leadership educator but the skills set out in the book are all from a woman’s point of view, something I have found challenging to find - or not readily available.
Leaders come in all varieties and exist at all levels of an organization both with the title of leader and informal leaders. Sometimes, the best training ground for leadership is in the volunteer sector. Don’t think for a moment that the rules for leadership don’t apply in an unpaid position! In fact, it is actually much harder to mobilize your volunteers to follow your lead. Leadership accomplishments in your volunteer work can be directly applicable to paid positions.
This book provides excellent tips and practical examples that will increase your knowledge about effective leadership and is distinctly applicable to women. Elaine illustrates the “how you can do it” concept with memorable stories presenting truths about how to become stronger, better and more effective in your role as a leader, manager or supervisor. You can apply these concepts starting today!
Developing leadership abilities and assuming leadership roles will allow you to become all you can be. Let your enthusiasm build and your potential unfold as you read this book and discover how easy it can be.
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
- Twelfth Night, Act ii, Sc. 5
To paraphrase Shakespeare: Women are born leaders, some achieve leadership (according to plan) and some have leadership thrust upon them. Let’s be prepared to be great leaders!
Darla D.W. Campbell, P.Eng.
Founder and President – amonavi consulting group inc.
National President (2004-06)
BPW Canada – The Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs – The voice of working women since 1930.
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