The Women in Wind Global Leadership Program class of 2023 pictured during their first Knowledge Transfer Webinar
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Lead with Impact - Women in Wind Global Leadership Program 2023

Leadership is a multifaceted skill that requires constant self-reflection, growth, and adaptability. The Women in Wind Global Leadership Program 2023 on July 18th hosted its first knowledge transfer webinar, focusing on the essence of impactful leadership. 

Sarah Barber, Head of the Wind Energy Innovation Division at Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences and President of the Swiss Wind Energy R&D Network, led an insightful session, sharing her personal journey, challenges, and transformational insights that have shaped her exceptional leadership path.

Key Takeaways from Sarah Barber's Leadership Webinar:

1. Embrace Active Listening:

One of the most potent tools in leadership is active listening. Rather than rushing to solve problems for others, take the time to understand their perspectives and provide them with the space to discover their own solutions. This fosters trust, empowerment, and effective problem-solving within the team.

2. Promote Diversity and Inclusion:

Make diversity and inclusion core elements of your leadership style. Encourage the inclusion of diverse voices and perspectives in decision-making processes. Embrace essential attributes in leadership, such as empathy, humility, and inspiring others, regardless of gender.

3. Be a Positive Role Model:

Leading by example is a powerful way to inspire and motivate others. Actively seek opportunities to interact with your team and demonstrate your leadership style. Share your experiences, including mistakes, to create an environment where learning from failures is encouraged.

4. Accept and Learn from Mistakes:

Effective leadership does not require perfection. Embrace transparency about your mistakes and work collaboratively to find constructive solutions. Cultivate a culture where mistakes are seen as stepping stones to growth and improvement.

5. Find and Strengthen Strengths:

Recognize and leverage the strengths of each team member. Provide them with the right environment to flourish and contribute to the team’s success. Encourage self-awareness and self-reflection to unlock hidden potential.

Practical Tips to Improve Leadership Capabilities:

To make effective use of the take aways above: the following tips are recommended as a guide: 

  • Lead by Example: Be a role model for your team by embodying the qualities you wish to see in others. Demonstrate humility, empathy, and a growth mindset in your actions and decisions.
  • Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Shift your perspective on mistakes from negative experiences to opportunities for growth and improvement. Encourage a culture where team members feel safe to admit mistakes and learn from them.
  • Practice Active Listening: Start actively listening to your team members, colleagues, and stakeholders. Ask open-ended questions and genuinely seek to understand their viewpoints.
  • Encourage Diversity and Inclusion: Create an inclusive environment where diverse voices are valued and respected. Embrace different perspectives and empower all team members to contribute freely.
  • Focus on Strengths: Identify and nurture the strengths of each team member. Assign tasks that align with their strengths, fostering engagement and productivity.

Sarah webinar where she shared her journey from a technical expert to a transformative leader offers valuable insights into effective leadership. By embracing active listening, promoting diversity and inclusion, being a positive role model, accepting and learning from mistakes, and focusing on strengths, we can improve our own leadership capabilities. As we embark on our leadership journeys, let’s remember to continuously self-reflect, grow, and empower those around us to reach their full potential.

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Interested in the Women in Wind Global Leadership Program? Contact [email protected] for more information.

About

GWEC is a member-based organisation that represents the entire wind energy sector. The members of GWEC represent over 1,500 companies, organisations and institutions in more than 80 countries, including manufacturers, developers, component suppliers, research institutes, national wind and renewables associations, electricity providers, finance and insurance companies.

About

GWNET aims to advance the global energy transition by empowering women in energy through interdisciplinary networking, advocacy, training, and mentoring. GWNET seeks to address the current gender imbalances in the energy sector and to promote gender-sensitive action around the energy transition in all parts of the world.

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