Here are some key point from our July panel discussion:
- Men attribute their success to themselves; women attribute their success to others. We often underestimate our own abilities; claim your success and believe in yourself and what you can accomplish
- It is a fact that companies with women in senior leadership roles usually produce better bottom-line results for organizations- why? Because women are naturally better at collaboration, creating employee engagement, buy-in and commitment
- Women in leadership roles also tend to look at the broader perspective of their work and the impact it may have on others. As women we also are more “aware” of the needs of 50% of the population so we produce better products and services to meet women’s needs and that yields more commercial success for companies
- In today’s corporate environment leaders wear multiple hats and are often working in multiple-matrixed environments. How can women take advantage of this? We are better at managing multiple stakeholders and their interests and “socializing” information to support decision-making; we use our gut instincts along with objective criteria for evaluation. We are flexible when it comes to both setting strategy and executing; while men may be singularly focused on “taking the hill;” we know that the hill may change and so must the approach. And we approach change management differently: we appreciate the feeling and reactions people have to change and we use our Emotional Intelligence abilities to be more aware, responsive and manage them successfully through the process
- Stand up for yourself: the journey around your self-confidence is ongoing……use your network and supporters to reflect what they see and help you take the next steps
- What are the keys to succeeded in a male-dominated corporate environment? (1) stand up for and defend yourself (2) get mentors and sponsors to support you; look 2-3 levels above you (3) collaborate with others to advance your ideas and agenda (4) “raise your hand” for opportunities (5) own the moment: take responsibility and speak up for yourself
- On negotiating. Don’t be afraid to ask for something, to negotiate that salary or raise. If you are starting a new job and you miss that going-in opportunity to negotiate it can take years for you to catch up
- Get your elbows out there! You don’t “get” things unless you stand up for yourself, ask for them and make room for them to happen
- Use humor when you can and don’t take things personally. Heather used the example of saying to someone” Hey, see that line there? (pointing to an imaginary line on the floor); you just crossed it so back it up a bit!”. Love that.
- Find your “voice”. Ask questions, “show up” at the table, take up space and take risks
- “You’re on stage before you’re on stage”. Be aware of how you act, speak, lead. Others are always watching, you need to set the example.
- Your leadership style is uniquely yours. Watch others whose style you admire, read about successful men and women; try different things but ultimately think about how you can lead in service to others
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