Where Leadership Lives

Where Leadership Lives

by elainesuess

Last month, I met for the second time with a group called the “Sista Circle.” It’s a group of women brought together by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for the purpose of providing encouragement and support in various ways.

The women of the Sista Circle live in an expansive group of apartment complexes where drug dealing and the sounds of gunshots are not uncommon. I had exposure to some of these women last year through the Leadership Cincinnati program, and was touched by their honesty and open hearts.

Strengths and Leadership

Why am I writing about these women? Well, because I’ve found a tremendous strength in these women and clear signs of leadership – in both their struggles and in their insights.

In my first meeting with them, we talked about character strengths, and the fact that everyone has them — including their kids, their bosses, employees and others surrounding them.

We also talked about personality type using “geometric psychology.” We discussed how every “type” deals with things differently, and how some “types” might interact with others in certain situations.

The ladies and girls of the Sista Circle left armed with a level of awareness for both strength and type.

Type Shapes

Seeing Clearly

In my second visit, we talked again about strengths and type. In discussing geometric shapes and type, I asked what they knew, and what they had learned.

This is where the wisdom part comes in.

Here’s what they said:


  • We are who we are. We can’t be someone else.
  • We can’t push different shapes to work together.
  • It’s beneficial to have all different types of shapes on a team.
  • Two shapes compliment each other to reach goals.
  • Knowing my strengths and those of my family helps us work together.
  • So many things are draining. If I focus on one, I feel better.

If these insights from the women do not reveal clear leadership insights and awareness, I’m not sure what does.

How are you embracing the shared wisdom found here, where you work?

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