Wow! I just finished Abby Wambach’s book, Wolfpack. It was a very short read packed with nothing but nonstop life lessons and “new rules” to consider and adopt!
I will list the 8 new rules introduced in this book along with some of my own thoughts and impressions.
1. Create your own path.
We have all been told to follow the rules or maybe we just do it because that is what we think we should do. Don’t ruffle feathers. Take your seat at the table but play by the societal rules or the rules of the board room. I think about the women who fought for the right for women to vote. They created their own paths for us – for our futures. Let’s keep creating new paths for those who come behind us and for us as we move forward in this life.
2. Be grateful for what you have AND demand what you deserve.
The gratitude of women often holds us back. We are simply grateful but also need to ask for more – ask for what we deserve – demand it even. This quote from the book says it all. “Our gratitude is how power uses the tokenism of a few women to keep the rest of us in line.”
3. Lead now – from wherever you are.
Everyone can be a leader. Don’t wait for the title….be a leader everyday in whatever role you play. You are making a difference for those in your circle…those watching you and interacting with you. Lead by example. Lead with your attitude. Sometimes the most effective leaders are not the individuals in the traditional leadership positions.
4. Failure means you’re finally IN the game.
Whew! This one hit hard. First of all, how do we define failure. And then, how do we let failure define us. How does failure determine our next move? How does failure affect how we feel about ourselves? Failure is an opportunity to try again but make some changes or maybe an opportunity to go in another direction. Pay attention to failures and your response.
5. Be FOR each other.
Ladies it is time to stop fighting each other and start cheering for each other. I have seen a shift in this over the years in the right direction. However, depending on the environment and how many seats are at the table, we may find ourselves mired in jealousy and competition. Remember, we win together.
6. Believe in yourself. Demand the ball.
Don’t ever be afraid to stand out. Don’t try to shrink yourself to make others feel more comfortable or less intimidated. Be you! Know your strengths and know your worth. And then act on it!! Demand the ball!
7. Lead with humanity. Cultivate Leaders.
This rule is all about not being a leader who develops followers but rather a leader who develops other leaders. I have had the opportunity to lead some amazing individuals- most of them were women. It has been one of my greatest professional joys to see the growth in these individuals. My goal was to lead with humanity and with vulnerability. I didn’t always get it right but that is part of it. I loved watching those I mentored grow into wonderful leaders.
8. You’re not alone. You’ve got your Pack.
Success can feel a bit isolating. You were a part of a team and now you find yourself leading that team. You have to find your Pack. Find the Pack who celebrates your wins with you. Find the Pack who reminds you who you are when you are doubting yourself.
This tiny book really packs a punch! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
