SM: What are some ways we can show leadership even when we’re not officially in charge?
Stefani Schaeffer: Take pride in everything you do, whether it’s making coffee or how you dress. Be polite, whether it’s the doorman or the president. Be the best you can be and then strive to make yourself better and you’re acting like a leader. Be fearless, make decisions, show people you’re not afraid to take initiative, be creative and be positive.
SM: What qualities does it take to be a good leader?
Stefani Schaeffer: A good leader needs to also be a good team player. It’s important to relate well to the people you’re working with and when you do that, you gain your team’s confidence—and then they want to work more and better and smarter. Attack every single thing that you do with an unparalleled amount of enthusiasm and passion because it’s contagious and it really inspires people. The more you can put out that positive vibe, the more people will want to be around you and work with you, and for you, and it’s a sort of domino effect.
|
COMMENT ON ARTICLE |
FORWARD |
|
|
POST THIS ARTICLE ON:
|
||
| fiona | |
| I have to admit I've never actually watched The Apprentice but I found that Stefani gave some sound advice. From her answers, she seems like a confident, determined, and hardworking woman who deserved to win The Apprentice. GO Stefani! | |
| MorganC | |
| I agree with bruinla. Women sometimes think that because they are taking on a leadership role, they have to act tough and mean. This doesn't have to be the case. Having power does not mean you have to be a dictator...I think respectful, hardworking people make it farther... | |
| LILA -- Los Angeles | |
| Stefani, thank you so much for sharing such great advice. You seem like you really have it together and each day I strive to do that myself. I must admit, it can be quite hard to bring enthusiasm to work on a daily basis, but, just like you, I've seen that enthusiasm seems to be a quality that a lot of successful leaders seem to share. I wonder,however, do you ever get burnt out and how do you deal with that? | |
| asya | |
| i can't say i'm a big fan of the donald himself, but i did love the interview with stefani. she's unpretentious and really gives women the inspiration to pursue their goals. i like her advice on taking pride in what you do. sometimes it's hard being proud of a humanities major when everyone around is doing either bio or engineering. her words are very comforting. | |
| bruinla | |
| Stefani's advice is really great! I think one of the most important things for women in high positions is to not be seen as a bi****. If you give off that energy, people will be less willing to work with you. | |