You’ve always been an owner. That attitude is one of the fundamental reasons you are now a first-year female executive.  But now that you’ve made it into the executive ranks, has that mindset changed? As you look at your actions, are you owning all aspects of your new role?

Unfortunately for most new execs, the answer is no. And yet, ownership in this role is just as critical as any other role. So what are you not owning and how do you start?

If you had to start owning one critical aspect of your role, what would that be?

The answer is: your seat at the table.

I know that may seem cliche but there is a reason you hear "owning your seat" quite regularly as a new exec.

Owning your seat is required if you are going to be successful.

Owning your seat is exactly how you have influence and impact in your role.

So if we are aligned with "owning it," then let's define what "owning it" means.

It means in every leadership meeting, every Zoom or Teams or Meet, every discussion with a peer or a leader more senior than you, you freaking own the seat you occupy, you engage in the discussion, and you have an impact.

Of all the ways you could lead, why is this one so impactful?

The seat you occupy is meant to add value to the organization.  If you don’t add value, you don’t get to stay!

You wanted this role for many reasons, one of which was to impact the business and the customer.  This impact is exactly what the company wants from you as well.

Impact and influence occur when you own your seat and use it actively to share insights, strategies, concerns, pitfalls, and solutions.

So if you find yourself sitting in meetings without speaking up or without weighing in when you have an opinion, idea, or concern, recognize that you’re not adding value, you’re just taking up space.

How many people did you not appreciate working with when they just took up space?

If you are taking up space, it's time to shift into owning it and adding value.

It's time for you to step back into the owner mentality by eliminating the natural fear and doubt that comes with a new position.

When we are in a new role, especially an executive role for the first time, there is a large amount of growth, shifting, and learning/unlearning that has to occur to generate results and ultimately success.

You feel like a fish out of water in this new role and you’re probably telling yourself you just need to get your bearings and then you will be back on track.

Recognize this fact, getting your bearings is fine but it must be done quickly!

It takes the typical exec 12 months to generate results.  We can’t take 12 months to get our bearings and level out.  That doesn’t work!

Let’s spend the next few weeks talking through how to own our seats and get back to our position of confidence and strength in our careers.

Get the workbook here and if you’re ready for some support and guidance as you learn to own your seat, check out the group program kicking off monthly that is specifically designed to help you exec correctly!

Be Legendary!