This past weekend was Father’s Day and a day that I often think about my father. A father-daughter relationship can be quite complicated but one that often sets the tone for a daughter’s perception of herself. As the years go by and my dad is no longer here to share his words, I realize how important the lessons were that he taught me. The guidance he gave me throughout my life stands with me today and has steered me to being an empowered leader.

Here is what my father taught me:

1. TRUST YOURSELF

My father always followed the path he thought made the most sense to him. He honored his decision-making and rarely second guessed himself. He would often remind me that I knew what choices were best for me and not to worry what other people may say. Empowered leadership means doing what is right for each of us, keeping focused and not allowing comments to derail us.

2. KNOW YOUR WORTH

My father always felt good about himself and what he was able to achieve. He knew what living up to your goals and dreams meant. He imparted on me the need to understand your strengths and play up to them. Don’t waste your time on blind spots because everyone has them.

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3. LOYALTY IS ESSENTIAL

You would never meet a more loyal person than my father. If someone had earned his loyalty, they were set for life. Of course, his deepest loyalty was to his family. He would defend us and stand by us, even when we really messed up. Empowered leaders support their team members, especially during difficult times. Our teams are often a family to us, and that means we are there for them in the good and bad times.

4. BE HAPPY WITH YOUR PORTION IN LIFE

The idea of being content with what life has dealt us has been ingrained in me since childhood. No one is given a perfect deck of cards and therefore each of us needs to be grateful for our lot. Sure we can whine about what the world has done to us, but empowered leaders resist that urge. Instead, empowered leadership is working with our existing teams and making them the best they can be.

5. LIFE IS A GAME

My father was in his own small business selling storm windows and carpeting. He would tell me how much fun he had selling and meeting the craziest people. He made a game out of it and honestly enjoyed the pursuit. When I was feeling down or challenged, he would always help me gain perspective and encourage me to not take things so seriously and have fun instead. Empowered leaders can reframe their challenges into opportunities to grow and learn.

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How have you become an empowered leader? What stories or strategies have worked for you?

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