I recently hosted the Datos Insights Women’s Network virtual webinar on the topic of Leadership Development: Guiding Leaders. Our panel included Jennifer Ham (Chief Revenue Officer at Datos Insights), Jessica Hampton (Chief People Officer at Datos Insights), and Deb Zawisza (Senior Principal at Datos Insights). Their experiences revealed that while the path to becoming a guiding leader may not always be straightforward, particularly in a male-dominated industry, it offers unique opportunities for women to shape the future of leadership.
Building Trust and Relationships
At the heart of the discussion was the fundamental importance of building authentic relationships. As one panelist noted, “You can’t just meet at the water cooler and give great advice.” True mentorship requires investment in building trust and creating safe spaces for vulnerability. This is particularly crucial in the insurance industry, where women often face unique challenges navigating traditionally male-dominated spaces. The panel emphasized that these mentoring relationships, when built on trust, often transcend organizational boundaries and can last throughout entire careers. They stressed the importance of making mentorship meetings a priority and demonstrating genuine commitment to the relationship.
The Art of Questioning vs. Directing
A compelling insight emerged around the art of guidance itself. The panel challenged the traditional notion that leaders should have all the answers, instead advocating for a questioning approach. As one panelist pointed out, “Asking questions is a great way to help an individual understand direction without being directly directed.” This skill becomes especially valuable in insurance technology roles, where leaders must balance technical expertise with developing others’ capabilities. The panelists shared how they learned to resist the urge to solve problems directly, instead using thoughtful questioning to help mentees develop their own problem-solving abilities and confidence.
Understanding Individual Differences and Goals
The discussion highlighted the importance of recognizing that each person’s career path and goals are unique. One panelist shared a powerful story of helping a mentee transition from a global travel-heavy role to one more compatible with family life – without sacrificing career progression. This exemplified how effective guiding leaders help others find their own authentic leadership style rather than creating carbon copies of themselves. The panel also introduced the concept of “seed planting” – a strategic approach to gradually introducing ideas when direct suggestions might face resistance, demonstrating how women can effectively navigate industry dynamics while driving change.
Conclusion
As businesses continue to evolve with new technologies and changing customer expectations, the need for effective guiding leaders becomes increasingly critical. The panelists emphasized that success in this role isn’t about having all the answers, but rather about building trust, asking the right questions, and helping others find their unique path forward. They encouraged attendees to maintain professional networks, seek multiple mentors for different career stages, and be intentional about words and actions when in a guiding role.
The discussion served as a powerful reminder that advancing women’s leadership requires not just individual achievement, but also a commitment to guiding and supporting others along their leadership journeys.
For more information on the Datos Insights Women’s Network visit our website.