They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  So is being powerful (or powerless). When it comes to building your business or your corporate career, you can be a powerful business woman regardless of your position by your actions.  Here are nine ways how:  

1.    Give credit where credit is due. In the today’s business world, you’re nothing without the support of other peoples’ contributions, technical know-how, and creative ideas.  And people love it when you openly recognize them and share the credit.

2.    Share info. Share public domain information from your department or other parts of the business that will help others. Pass on interesting articles, books, and observations to help others grow in their own careers and lives.

3.    Create a safe place for brainstorming. People need to believe you will receive their ideas in a respectful and kind manner. The best way to demonstrate this is listen a whole lot more than talk.  Instead of immediately critiquing their idea, simply say “Hmmm...interesting, tell me more” and listen some more.  Only after a bunch of new ideas have been presented should you then evaluate the pro’s and con’s of each.  Often the best idea or two becomes clear.

4.    Take yourself lightly. Your ability to laugh (like at being inspired by chocolate) at your own moments of foolishness or mistakes will make everyone relax around you. 

5.    Keep confidences. As you interact it’s not uncommon that colleagues may share personal information. You may also be privileged to certain company secrets.  Keep it to yourself and remain discreet and people will continue sharing valuable information with you.

6.    Seek out diversity. Business colleagues and friends are found among every age, class, race, sex, level of education, and organizational position. Create space in your life that will hold anyone of caliber.

7.    Get comfortable with the uncomfortable. It doesn’t feel good, but the reality is that when people work together, conflict and misunderstanding happens.  Be known for not losing your cool when conflict happens but instead the gal who can help sort things up and arrive at a solution.

8.    Assume the best until or unless you know otherwise. When you’re in doubt, you can go one of two ways:  Pessimistic and suspicious or optimistic and positive. People will feel safe with you if they know you’re thinking the best of them. This doesn’t mean you give up your discernment. If someone’s dealings seem shady, first find out more before coming to a conclusion.

9.    Be true to yourself and your principles. No more than ever, being authentic and staying true to what’s important to you is incredibly attractive and says volumes about your character. 

What are your ideas to add to this list?

Share them below!