Empowerment in Leadership: 7 Tips for Women Leaders to Thrive
This month, in the wake of International Women’s Day and the recent release of the WGEA Gender Pay Gap report, discussions surrounding women’s empowerment and women leaders have been an ongoing theme. Many of us, whether already in leadership roles or striving to attain them, are all too familiar with the challenges women face in their career journeys. Yet, in spite of these obstacles, women are not only navigating but excelling in leadership roles, making significant impacts in their fields and in the organisations for which they work.
As a leadership coaching and development organisation, Peeplcoach is proud that 51% of our participants are women! We’ve even created specific programs to further foster the development of high-potential women. Here are our top seven tips to empower women on their journey to the top.
1. Be unapologetically yourself!
Embrace your authenticity. It is your unique qualities, perspectives and experiences that foster trust and credibility with your team. We often make ourselves smaller or more ‘digestible’ for the company we’re keeping. DON’T! Authenticity is your superpower – in life and in leadership. It allows for genuine connections and effective communication. You doing you will help you transcend any traditional stereotypes of women leaders and utilise the years of experience and learning that help make you uniquely you!
2. Develop excellent communication skills
Great communication is key to effective leadership. The stereotypes would have you believe that women are naturally better at communicating than men. Whether you believe this or not, women can enhance their leadership prowess by honing both their verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Actively listening to team members, articulating ideas confidently and clearly, and cultivating empathy are crucial components. Strong communication builds bridges, fosters understanding and nurtures respectful relationships. When everyone understands they can buy in, and a team that is all on the same page moving towards a united goal will always be more successful.
3. Cultivate confidence
Imposter syndrome, self-doubt, lack of confidence – we’ve all experienced these, both men and women. Women need to stop letting imposter syndrome keep them from taking the leap. Start to nurture your self-assurance, listing the points of evidence of past and future success, back your decisions and celebrate and share your achievements. That means putting yourself forward for opportunities, such as stepping up for that exciting new role rather than waiting to be tapped on the shoulder. Assertiveness, when exercised respectfully, ensures that your voice is heard without sacrificing empathy. Confidence will get you the opportunities and, as a leader, help you to inspire trust and cultivate empowering work environments. Leading by example is the best way to show the next generation of women what great leadership looks like.
4. Self-care isn’t selfish
Leadership demands can be taxing, both mentally and physically – for men and women! Prioritising self-care is essential to maintain resilience and effectiveness, whether that involves investing in activities that rejuvenate and recharge, setting boundaries to prevent burnout, fostering a healthy work–life balance or just asking for help. These are all things that women too often neglect as they juggle work, family, social and other commitments. Don’t push self-care to the side! It is vital to remember that looking after yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential for sustained success and happiness.
5. Find your flock
Seeking mentorship from experienced women leaders is invaluable, allowing you to learn from their experiences, gain new insights and leverage their guidance to accelerate personal growth. Plus, fostering peer support networks allows for mutual encouragement and empowerment. If you can’t break into the boys’ club, create your own! Mentorship and support networks will provide you with unique resources, insight, friendship, solidarity and encouragement throughout your career and your leadership journey.
6. Embrace diversity
Diverse organisations are more successful! And as women leaders, advocating for diversity and inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for organisational success. Whether you’re championing gender equality and creating opportunities for women’s advancement or fostering inclusive cultures that embrace diversity of all kinds, you’ll be helping to drive innovation, creativity and collaboration. Different perspectives, experiences, skills and personalities can be the magic potion for organisational and team success.
7. Be inspiring
Bad leadership is the number one reason that employees leave an organisation. So invest in your own leadership development and become a great leader. Inspirational leaders motivate their teams by steering the ship with purpose. Be sure of who you are and what you stand for. Share your values and vision with your team and your passion and focus will help your team buy in to the big picture. Leading with purpose and vision inspires others to join you on the journey.
Women possess the power to redefine leadership and be the catalyst for positive and systemic change. According to the WGEA Gender Pay Gap report, while women comprise 47% of Australia’s workforce, they still represent only 31.5% of key management personnel and 17.1% of CEOs. Clearly we still have a long way to go, which is why it is essential to empower high-potential women through investing in their learning and development. That way we can see more women in positions of influence, leading with purpose and effecting meaningful change.
Discover more about Peeplcoach’s Women Leaders Programs.
