Voices of NTCA Women in Telecom: Insights, Inspiration and Industry Perspectives from WIT members. To learn more about WIT or get involved, visit ntca.org/wit.
Everyone is replaceable, a scary reality to consider. Sure, there are people who could meet the on-paper qualifications of your role, who may be younger, older, smarter or even more qualified than you. But no one can do your job the way you do it. Each of us has a unique set of values, qualities, perspectives and skills that we bring to the table. With effort, those attributes develop and increasingly allow us to effectively meet our goals while being true to ourselves.
The people who get things done - who really make a difference in science, technology and in our daily lives - are not people who try to fit the mold. They are people who lean into teaching, or materials sciences, or leading with grace and embrace that others may do a task differently. They realize each of us brings unique qualities to the table, and it’s those differences that enable an organization or company to thrive.
In my role as a professional engineer and vice president at Monte R. Lee and Company (Oklahoma City, Okla.), I appreciate the competency of each of my colleagues but have also learned to value that every person on my team has a specific flair they add to their role. Lynn asks the right questions, Brian ensures we’re practical and Jennifer keeps us straight with the rules. Or maybe it is that they take care of business with no extra frills, which is its own kind of flair if you ask me! We may all be replaceable, but we are each unique in so many ways that it would be impossible to put us in a box to define a replacement. So, bring your heart, your passion and your values to your life and do it your way.
I have personally learned a lot from this diversity of personalities at my firm and more broadly with the Women in Telecom group. I am inspired by the group showcasing and emphasizing different approaches and viewpoints from across the industry. Being exposed to these ideas to take back with me has been eye-opening. I have had the privilege of learning from these women not only as an engineer but more importantly as an individual. As I engage with this group, I’m met with a range of perspectives— some that resonate with me, and others that may not, but clearly resonate with others. To me, this proves there are many correct ways to achieve the same goal. When our plan A is not coming to fruition, maybe it is time to embrace Plan B. Or C. Or Z…
I would encourage anyone who is able to attend a Women in Telecom event to listen, observe and actively contribute. Think about what tools others lean on that would work well for your personalized toolbox. You can never have too many tools in the toolbox.
These blogs are brought to you by NTCA Women in Telecom, a program dedicated to empowering women in the telecommunications industry. To learn more about the program, connect with the WIT community, or explore opportunities for involvement, visit ntca.org/wit