By: Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani, 2017-2018 National President of ABWA
Many of us have dreams and aspirations to fulfill a goal that we may see at times as impossible to achieve. Or, we may encounter those who are naysayers and place doubt in your abilities to reach your best potential to even achieve those set goals and desires. My journey has been filled with hope, growth, and building the confidence to believe in myself. There are three key elements that helped me grow personally and professionally.
The first is to be coachable and find a mentor. I have learned that you can find your Kipling by meeting disaster and triumph the same way. When things do not turn out the way you want, you learn to embrace it and move on. When you have a support system and are willing to be mentored, you can recover faster from the impact and be ready to move forward with a new mindset. When you meet those successful milestones, you are able to celebrate and keep the positive energy and momentum flowing. When you are open to receive feedback, take the time to analyze the information and make a decision that would give you the best opportunity to reach your full potential and don’t be afraid to unleash your brilliance. Never forget to thank those who took the time to invest in you.
The second is to be willing to serve first and then lead. When you empower others and help them get what they want, help the team achieve what they need, overall your efforts are helping the organization as a whole reach a level of success. As you grow you, you are also helping others to grow. In the end, it is a win-win situation because everyone is on the same team, striving and working together. As a leader it is important to serve and to be the role model and inspire others to want to better too.
The third is to be accountable. Do what you say you are going to do and then do it. What really helps you to stretch and grow is to do something out of the ordinary that you may see as impossible to accomplish. The key is to start, take baby steps if you have to; but, keep moving.
Overall, these three unbelievable ways helped me to grow leaps and bounds – The first is to be coachable and find a mentor. The second is to be willing to serve first and then lead. The third is to be accountable. Think of how you can stretch and grow. Think of the mentors in your life and your support system. Think of organizations or programs that you can get involved in to serve first then lead. You can make a difference in your community and transform yourself into the leader you desire to be. Unleash Your Brilliance. Be Bold, Be Brave, Be You.
Dr. Sonja Ogletree Satani is an expert in the field of Organizational Leadership. She was featured in Forbes magazine as seen in June 16, 2014 issue spotlighting Southeast Women Business Leaders and the award winning Women In Business magazine of the American Business Women’s Association.
Dr. Ogletree Satani has been a leadership trainer for over 25 years and a business management consultant for 20 years. She has worked with universities in the United States and in China, Japan, and Brazil. Since founding Corporate Cycle Consulting, LLC, Dr. Ogletree Satani has been helping individuals and businesses improve their processes and operations and reach their desired strategic goals. Dr. Ogletree Satani’s goals and passions are helping individuals and businesses to be profitable and successful. In addition, bridge leadership opportunities through communications, collaborations, and community service.
Dr. Ogletree Satani served on the 2017-2018 National Board of Directors and Stephen Bufton Memorial Education Fund (SBMEF) Trustees for The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) as the National President and is now serving as the 2019-2020 Chair of the South Carolina Area Council of ABWA. Dr. Ogletree Satani is also a 2016 ABWA Top Ten Business Woman and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. With all that she does, she continues to provide one-on-one attention to her family and her clients. She can be reached at: sos.abwa@gmail.com