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Hello!

Misty Megia here, CEO of Theatre of Public Speaking hopping into your inbox this week ❤️

Rosalind Brewer always thought she’d be a physician. She even studied chemistry as a first generation college student. She began her career as a research scientist where she developed an intricate understanding of data-guided conclusions. Little did she know this scientific decision-making coupled with her inspiring drive would lead Brewer to go from Walmart Executive, to the CEO of Sam’s Club in 2012, during which the company surpassed $50 billion in sales. Brewer then became the COO and Group President of Starbucks for four years before casually moving into the CEO position at Walgreens a year after the pandemic first began. I know… she’s amazing.

Brewer reminisces on the process of finding her voice throughout her career, specifically recalling the “murky middle” management space, which was especially challenging to push through. As she discovered her own voice, she continued to help others unmute theirs as well. That is the sign of true leadership – not just obtaining power or showing prowess but guiding your team toward mutual success.

Are you there to guide and coach? To lead by example? To encourage? To intellectually stimulate? Each of these are tenets of transformational leadership.

As we dive in, reflect on your leadership style and the style your team would most benefit from in order for both sides to successfully unmute. The phrase “unmute” may remind you of virtual meetings during the pandemic; however, your team’s hesitation to unmute virtually is deeply symbolic of how comfortable they feel in real life to share their brilliance, expand their potential, and support you as a leader. So, how do we unmute ourselves as leaders while also unmuting your team?

Let’s talk strategy – 3 strategies…

Show Up
When asked about her drive, Brewer attributes its inspiration from her parents. Despite working three jobs, Brewer’s father would still show up to her track meets and competitions to cheer her on – and that stayed with her. Brewer brings that same cheerleading spirit to her teams.

Despite having major responsibilities running the company, she shows up for her team. You may be wondering, “Well, that sounds nice, but I don’t always have the time.”

So, what can you do to set the right tone and maintain healthy norms?

The first meeting of a new project, quarter, or team is key in setting the tone for the entire collaboration. From goal and expectation setting to the energy in the room, this is a prime opportunity to set aside time and ensure you’re setting the right tone as a leader.

Showing up is also about HOW you show up.

This means arriving with encouragement, passing the mic, and being a silent listener to create space for others to unmute, speak up, and step into the moment. This also serves as an opportunity for a leader to channel their empathy and think deeper about what is needed.

Before she graduated college, Brewer’s father tragically passed away. When speaking on leadership, she shares, “If you’re not empathetic, you shouldn’t be a leader.” She embodied this throughout her career. During the pandemic, for example, she didn’t allow meetings before 9am to give her remote team time to get their kids ready for school. She applies this both to her teams and her customers.

Help Them Shine
One of the reasons Brewer has switched C-suite seats at multiple corporations is because she is always looking to make new impact and keep learning. This same mentality applies toward teams. Once you’ve connected and fully listened, it’s time to determine how you can make an impact and learn more about your team member. This is the first step to truly unmuting yourself – ask questions, give positive and constructive feedback, and communicate your knowledge with transparency.

Sometimes, leaders may feel reluctant to share parts of their expertise out of fear of being “outshined.” In large corporations, this may stem from worry of being replaced, and in small business, perhaps it’s being worried they’ll move to a competitor or become one themselves. This scarcity mindset only hurts your team’s potential, which is a direct reflection of leadership.

Leaders who fear their team members shining bright can perpetuate a toxic work environment that hinders both motivation and productivity. Instead, it is necessary to understand your team’s success is your success. Keep an open doorway of communication that goes both ways and ensure your team has the answers they need to complete the goals you have set together. This means you can also ask for their help and move with honesty. Watch the encouragement slowly become part of the culture and even be sent back your way. There is a reason each team member was hired. Let them shine! And let them help you shine.

Celebrate Them Loudly
Once you acknowledge team success and your leadership success are one and the same, you get to champion your team!

Brewer is rooted in the idea that happy employees are productive employees. For this reason, she started initiatives like “Quick Connect Fridays,” in which every Friday was not only blocked off from any meetings but was also a day to connect with a team member, say hello, and check in. As she puts it, “it’s important to meet your employees where they are.” And to meet them with passion! Don’t be afraid to show that heart both to your team and when sharing about your team.

As a former Fortune 500 Executive, I was often referred to as the “CEO Whisperer” throughout my career, but I also knew how important it was to shine the light on my team. So, I would send a monthly short recap to the C-suite, highlighting each team member’s success. Not only does this show off my team, but it also helped me focus on all the things that my team was knocking out of the park. Something relatively simple can create a major shift.

It is no secret the world’s best leaders, such as Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Margaret Thatcher, were also the best orators. And they weren’t necessarily extroverted. They came from a place of care – and that care works. It is the first thing we ask about when we train executives in their communication or prepare them to take the stage.

Up until the end of last year, Rosalind Brewer was the CEO of the largest company ever run by a black woman. While her data-backed decisions prompt the proof in the numbers, her leadership mindset and ability to unmute herself and others was the driving force of her success. What will you do to start unmuting yourself and your team?

Much Love,