7 powerful leadership traits Sheryl Sandberg embodies (so you should too)

From the Personal Branding Blog

There’s a massive difference between being a boss and being a leader.

The difference boils down to impact. Being a boss means you’re in charge, sure, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re inspiring those around you.

Being a leader, however, is about empowering others, fostering growth and sparking transformation.

Leaders like Sheryl Sandberg are masters at this.

Sandberg, the COO of Facebook, embodies seven powerful leadership traits that not only make her an influential figure but also a catalyst for authentic and consistent growth.

This isn’t just about mimicking successful people; it’s about understanding the qualities that drive their success and aligning them with your own personal brand.

So without further ado, let’s delve into the seven powerful leadership traits that Sheryl Sandberg embodies – traits that you should consider incorporating into your own leadership style.

1) Embracing vulnerability

Not many leaders openly talk about their vulnerabilities. It’s often seen as a sign of weakness. But that’s not how Sheryl Sandberg sees it.

Sandberg, in her book Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy, has publicly shared her experience of dealing with the sudden death of her husband. She spoke about her grief, her fears and her struggles.

This wasn’t a publicity stunt. It was a powerful leader embracing her vulnerability and being authentic.

By doing so, she not only humanized herself but also sent out a strong message that it’s okay to be vulnerable. It’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s okay to be human.

Embracing vulnerability doesn’t make you weak; it makes you relatable. And in leadership, being relatable can be a powerful tool for influencing and inspiring your team.

After all, if Sheryl Sandberg can do it, so can you.

2) Continuous learning

There’s a saying that’s always stuck with me, “The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing.”

Sandberg embodies this principle like no other. Despite her already impressive resume and her position at one of the largest tech companies in the world, she never settles for what she knows.

She’s always curious, always eager to learn more. This is a trait that I’ve personally tried to embody in my own professional journey.

I remember a time early in my career when I thought I had mastered all there was to know about my role. But then, I attended a seminar on emerging trends in our industry.

That day, I felt like a newbie all over again. There was so much more to learn, so many new avenues to explore.

That’s when I realized that learning is an ongoing process, not a destination. It’s about continuously challenging yourself, pushing your boundaries and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

This constant quest for knowledge is something that Sandberg has consistently advocated for. She believes it’s crucial for leaders to remain students at heart and to foster a culture of learning within their teams.

3) Equal opportunity advocate

Sandberg isn’t just a leader in the tech industry; she’s a leader in advocating for equal opportunities too.

She is the founder of LeanIn.Org, a global community dedicated to helping women achieve their ambitions. The organization provides women with the ongoing inspiration and support to help them achieve their goals.

But her advocacy doesn’t stop there.

In 2015, Sandberg announced that Facebook would offer 4 months of paid leave for new fathers working at the company globally. This was at a time when only 17% of U.S companies offered paid paternity leave.

Not only did this move position Facebook as a progressive employer, it also set a new standard for gender equality in the workplace.

Through her actions and initiatives, Sandberg demonstrates that being a leader isn’t just about running successful operations. It’s also about using your platform to drive positive change and create equal opportunities for all.

4) Resilience in the face of adversity

Life is full of unexpected challenges, and it’s how we respond to these challenges that truly defines us. Sandberg is a perfect example of this.

After the sudden death of her husband in 2015, she was faced with unimaginable grief. But instead of letting this tragedy consume her, she used it as a catalyst for change.

She wrote a book, “Option B”, which chronicles her journey of recovery and resilience. In the book, she shares her personal insights on finding strength in the face of adversity and how to build resilience.

Through her openness about her own struggles, Sandberg has inspired countless individuals to cultivate resilience in their own lives. She’s shown that while we can’t control what happens to us, we can control how we respond.

In your journey as a leader, remember that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about getting back up each time you do. Embrace your setbacks as opportunities for growth, just like Sandberg.

5) Unafraid to ask for help

This one hits close to home for me.

There was a time in my career when I was given a project that was way over my head. I was so worried about appearing incompetent that I didn’t ask for help and, inevitably, the project suffered.

Sandberg, on the other hand, has never shied away from seeking help when she needs it. She’s been open about how she’s reached out to mentors throughout her career for advice and guidance.

She understands that asking for help is not an admission of weakness; rather, it’s a testament to your commitment to getting the job done right. It shows you value the task at hand more than your ego.

So don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. No one has all the answers, and seeking assistance can often lead to better results. After all, even Sheryl Sandberg doesn’t go it alone.

6) Authenticity at its core

Being authentic is not just about being true to others; it’s about being true to yourself. This is a trait that Sandberg embodies wholeheartedly.

Whether it’s through her candid speeches or her honest writing, she always stays true to who she is. She doesn’t put on a facade or try to be someone she’s not.

In a world where leaders often project an image of infallibility, Sandberg’s authenticity is refreshing. It allows those around her to connect with her on a deeper level and fosters a culture of trust within her team.

As leaders, it’s important to remember that authenticity can’t be faked. It comes from a place of self-awareness and genuine care for others.

So strive for authenticity in your leadership style, just like Sheryl Sandberg.

7) Empowerment of others

At the heart of Sandberg’s leadership style is her unwavering commitment to empowering others. She understands that true leadership isn’t about creating followers; it’s about creating more leaders.

She consistently champions the potential in others, encouraging them to step up, take risks, and embrace their ambitions.

Through her actions and words, she fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and capable of making a significant impact.

This focus on empowerment isn’t just good for individual team members; it’s good for the organization as a whole. When people feel empowered, they’re more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay with the company.

So remember, as a leader, your job isn’t just to lead; it’s to empower. Just like Sheryl Sandberg does.

Leadership redefined

Sheryl Sandberg’s leadership style is a testament to the power of authenticity, resilience, and empowerment. Her journey serves as a beacon for those striving to make a difference, not just in their careers, but in the lives of those they lead.

But perhaps the most significant lesson we can take from her is that true leadership goes beyond titles and positions.

It’s about the impact you have on others. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to be their best selves.

She once said, “Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.”

As we reflect on these powerful leadership traits embodied by Sandberg, let’s strive to not just aspire for greatness but to inspire it in others.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what true leadership is all about.

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