We have always seen that men lead women follow. This has been the norm for generations, but it’s time to change things up a bit. The United Nations Foundation has recognized its goal for “take the lead women”. The inclusion of women and girls and bold leadership is essential to fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
This has been a recurring conversation for some time now, and the UN Foundation’s Global Dialogue is committed to scaling women’s leadership in various fields. To pursue a better world for us, it is necessary to trust women with more leadership roles and responsibilities.
In fact, employers should also extend power to women in their workplace. Men who lead women on should pass on the baton in the hope of a fairer work environment. On that note, here are some lessons on how to lead like a woman!
Take the Lead Women but Why
No one can deny that there is a noticeable absence of women in leadership positions. This aspect has fueled gender equality discussions for decades as diversity in leadership has become important. According to research studies on human behavior, women generally tend to have higher empathy and emotional intelligence levels.
The Korn Ferry research of more than 55,000 professionals in the workplace found that women outmatch men in categories such as coaching and mentoring, conflict management, leadership, adaptability, team spirit, organizational awareness, and so on.
Thanks to the gender-gap conversation, women have certainly come a long way on the corporate ladder. In the 2018 Fortune list, 24 women were CEOs of Fortune 500 companies. And in 2019, the number jumped to 33. Even though this is just slight progress, it is refreshing to see women in rooms previously dominated by men. The present culture couldn’t have been a more favorable landscape for women to take the lead.
Take the Lead Women: 6 Leadership Tips For Women Bosses
Here are some tips for women who find themselves in leadership positions. It’s time to take the lead women!
1. Networking is the key to success
Given the current political and cultural climate in the professional world, networking couldn’t have been easier. It is always important to meet new people and make a name for yourself beyond your office. If you can actively broaden your personal and professional network, it can be a valuable source for career advice and better opportunities.
The individuals you meet through networking can potentially have more experience compared to you. Besides, they might have gone through the same crossroads that you’re perhaps going through right now. Therefore, it is nice to have a supportive community of professional individuals you can rely on and turn to for guidance.
As a woman leader, one of your biggest strengths is your emotional intelligence and empathy. This is what differentiates you from your male counterpart in the office. Emotional intelligence is not a static characteristic, thus, you should consistently work on it. Think strategically, but don’t forget to show empathy when necessary.
2. Use your voice
It takes years of hard work, commitment, and personal growth to reach a desired position in the office. This is especially true for women trying to permeate a male-dominated profession. If you want your opinions to be heard and your presence to be acknowledged, you need to use your voice.
One of the biggest mistakes that women make is underestimating their worth. As a result, they don’t speak up as often or share their views. Make sure you don’t make this mistake. When you are in a position of leadership, you have the power to make your voice heard.
3. Be an adaptive leader
An adaptive leader is one who is open to learning new things, being transparent, inspiring creativity, and discovering new potential. If you truly want to make a difference in the workplace, choose the adaptive leadership pathway.
adaptive leader4. Stay calm under pressure
As a female boss, you will encounter many frustrating situations in the workplace. But, instead of losing your mind, you need to learn how to stay calm under pressure. This is a difficult process that doesn’t happen overnight. You need to work on yourself and learn how to make decisions as a leader and face the challenges that come your way.
5. Develop an inclusive mindset
Once you become the boss, don’t forget your roots. Most women have experienced the perils of the gender gap in their careers. You were there too. To be viewed as equal in the workplace, women need to demand respect. There is no better way of leading women than creating an inclusive work environment. Women must be there for other women. Thus, when you’re the boss, make sure you give women the respect and power they deserve.
6. Try to maintain a healthy work-life balance
As someone who is in a leadership position, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and get sucked into the rabbit hole of work. It is vital to realize that you have a life outside the office and other commitments to look forward to. Make sure you find time off the clock and cater to your personal needs, family, friends, hobbies, and so on. Don’t make your life more difficult than it already is!
Society needs to hear the repressed voices of women in the workplace. Using your voice and making your opinions heard can inspire other women to do the same. There is no greater way to encourage women who work under you than to set an example.
Therefore, take the lead women, and don’t shy away from responsibilities! The future is going to be great!
Also Read: Lauren Pufpaf Talks About Significance Of Women Leadership
