On this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes Professor Ellen Taaffe, an expert in career development and a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment in the workplace. A leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and Kellogg Professor, Ellen helps leaders create the future they desire. Ellen and Mary Ann explore the “mirrored door” concept that often holds women back in their careers. She shares five success strategies from her upcoming book, The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place, and provides valuable insights on how to shatter that mirrored door.
Ellen highlights that self-doubt and the pursuit of perfection can hinder career progress. Her advice? Embrace imperfection and take courageous steps forward. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being authentic and confident. Breaking free from the limitations of traditional leadership molds is crucial. Ellen encourages women to expand their definition of leadership and embrace their unique qualities. By doing so, they can unlock their full potential and lead with authenticity.
Feedback isn’t just a formality—it’s a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Ellen shares her own journey with feedback and stresses the importance of asking powerful questions to understand how to improve. Effective feedback delivery, infused with positivity and gratitude, is key.
Listening isn’t just about hearing words; it’s about understanding facts, feelings, and values. Ellen discusses the use of different listening lenses, like gratitude and curiosity, to enhance communication. These skills are invaluable in performance reviews and debriefs, fostering better understanding and collaboration.
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