5 Bite-Size Leadership Lessons from Billie Jean King
My, oh my, can Billie Jean King light up a room.
What an absolute honour it was to hear her speak at the Teneo Global Summit this month, during which she shared her immense knowledge, experience, and straight-up talk on all things life and work-related.
A big proponent of inclusion, she had so many incredible gems on this topic – particularly the idea that you can’t understand inclusion until you have been excluded. I agree wholeheartedly; in fact, I recently held a talk with this theme at the HOW Design Live conference in Nashville. Inclusion is a feeling: one that we are all responsible for fostering in service of a supportive environment.
Here are five more bite-size takeaways from BJK’s infinite wisdom:
Listen to Lead
“Followers choose leaders; leaders don’t choose followers.” Listening is a skill that will set you apart. Learn from those around you and tailor your leadership accordingly. We are so often in a place of following the noise, but there is much to be garnered from the silence: who is not speaking, what is being overlooked, what can inform you of what you really need to change?
Value Your Vision
On this one, BJK was firm: “What’s the goal? What’s the vision? I never let go of the vision.” You need to know what you’re working toward, and then you need to actively participate. Don’t ever give up on the dream. Vision is your North Star — it’s what you yearn for yourself, a future state of being. I wrote about personal vision here; and for sure, harnessing yours is what will help you maintain momentum toward your goals.
Rev Your Relationships
“Relationships are everything.” We see this truth showing up in the power of networking, and what a difference it makes to tap into one’s relationships and expand existing ones. If you are ever looking for work, you will see that people — not processes — are an integral part of that journey. Always be sure to make time for others; you never know when you might need some of their time in return.
Coach Like a Coach
“Leaders are life coaches.” Our personal lives are more intertwined in our professional journeys than ever; be mindful that everyone has challenges and commitments outside of work. Studies show that women have lost six years since the pandemic, so we have work to do around creating more supportive and encouraging environments.
And while we’re on the topic of encouragement: “Never choose the worst person last,” Billie Jean reminded us. You need everyone on the team and you need players with different skills, so why not give someone a boost by consciously picking them first?
Stay in the Game
“Champions adjust and adapt.” You will have setbacks — many times over, and often on repeat — as you learn and grow through the challenges you face. Always stay in the game, and you will overcome.
And by the way, it’s WTA's 50th anniversary – that deserves a big woohoo! We have come a long way, and there is much work to be done together. Game, set, match!
