Chattanooga’s Lean In – Women GroundBreakers is a Think Tank of diverse faith, community, youth, and business leaders. The women meet monthly to discuss trends and strategies for making a difference. As part of the international Lean In movement, their Think Tank discussions are published locally and globally. Be inspired by their Words of Wisdom on Global Leadership. First, check out their strategies for building a global mindset.
4 Top Strategies for Building a Global Mindset
1. Be Aware
- Acknowledge your biases.
- Be open to the ideas of others.
- Know yourself and be authentic.
2. Be Educated
- Learn about issues on a global level, not just locally or nationally.
- Know the customs of other countries and religions.
- Learn a foreign language.
- Continue your education. You can’t speak out on something you don’t understand.
- Research how other women developed into global leaders.
3. Communicate across Cultures
- Consolidate your ideas into a format that is easily shared with others.
- Listen and understand life from a person who is not like you.
- Respect the customs of different countries and religions when you speak your mind.
4. Put your Ideas into Action
- Decide how you want to make a difference.
- List and then prioritize the paths you want to take.
- Contact the community leaders working in your areas of interest.
- Pursue your mission and encourage others to pursue their dreams.
Groundbreakers’ Words of Wisdom
Carrie DiMemmo, nonprofit and development professional
“Global leaders did not wake up one day and decide to lead on a global scale. They started doing small things within their local communities and built on that. They may have a global vision, but they always have a local start. You can’t change the world without changing yourself first.”
Tina Player, Event Planner
“We should recognize who we are and the purpose of our existence. Never be classified or placed in a specific box. Create your own box with a unique size, color, and bow. It’s most important to know who you are and WHY!
Denise Reed, Chief Business Connector at The Concierge Office Suites
“Share your life experience and business experience so other can see the opportunities in front of them and make a positive difference.”
Brenda Freeman Short, Lawyer, teacher, and political leader
“Global leadership requires the recognition of all human beings as valuable citizens of this plant, However, caring for others does not necessarily mean acceptance of another’s lifestyle. Leadership can agree to disagree.”
Laura Hessler, Owner of The HR Shop
“Everyone has a story and a part of leadership is understanding the solicitation, verbalization, and promotions of those stories that in turn can inspire others to act.”
Cathryn Cohen, Retired attorney and county library executive director
“Remember that women, whether by birth or by choice, are entitled to everything men have always had.”
Ardena Garth, Attorney and former public defender
“Fear keeps me from getting to know and understand what is going on in the world around me. Caring about others is a start to develop global leaders. Knowledge will help combat that fear.”
Leanne Baron, Consultant
“If we can come together in our local communities and identify the top issues and then make a plan to work together, we can can make a difference which can spread to the national global level. We’ve been good at coming up with ideas, but need to be better at putting those ideas into action and bringing about change.”
ASPIRE & INSPIRE!
