Bossy Girls Often Become Great Bosses
Lieutenant Commander Krysten J. Ellis was among an elite group of women, selected to be the first to serve on US Naval submarines. She combines a unique blend of smarts, emotional intelligence, and strong leadership. While her leadership abilities are paying off now in her military career, she didn't always receive that kind of affirmation. Here's another example of a female leader who was mislabeled as a child, in her own words:
As a young girl, I was frequently told, "You're too bossy!" The characteristic has served me well in many respects, but could have transformed into what it really meant: a valuable leadership skill. With a program like SheLead, vice years of muddling through it on my own, this trait could have been well-honed much earlier, without negative connotation or the second guessing I put myself through. Let young women be known for what they are, not bossy, but assertive leaders.
Krysten Ellis, LCDR, SC, USN
(LCDR Ellis meets POTUS, photo right)
President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama greet the U.S. Navy’s first
contingent of women submariners to be assigned to the Navy’s operational
submarine force, in the Blue Room of the White House, May 28, 2012. The 24 women
were accepted into the Navy’s nuclear submarine program after completing an
intensive training program and serve on ballistic and guided missile submarines
throughout the Navy. Also attending were ADM Mark Ferguson, left, Navy Secretary
Ray Mabus and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, right. (Official White House Photo
by Pete Souza) May 28, 2012.
As a young girl, I was frequently told, "You're too bossy!" The characteristic has served me well in many respects, but could have transformed into what it really meant: a valuable leadership skill. With a program like SheLead, vice years of muddling through it on my own, this trait could have been well-honed much earlier, without negative connotation or the second guessing I put myself through. Let young women be known for what they are, not bossy, but assertive leaders.
Krysten Ellis, LCDR, SC, USN
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