How to Lead Like a Woman in a Man’s World
Tips from Successful Female Leaders
Women face many challenges and barriers in the workplace, especially in male-dominated fields. They often have to deal with stereotypes, biases, discrimination, and harassment. They also have to balance their personal and professional lives and sometimes sacrifice one for the other.
But despite these obstacles, many women have risen to the top of their fields and become successful leaders. They have proven that women can lead with strength, confidence, and grace. They have also shown that women can bring unique perspectives, skills, and values to their teams and organisations.
So how do they do it? How do they overcome the challenges and thrive as leaders in a man’s world? Here are five tips from some of the most powerful and influential women in leadership today:
1. Embrace Your Strengths
One of the most important things you can do as a woman leader is to embrace your strengths and use them to your advantage. Don’t try to imitate or conform to the male leadership style, which is often more transactional, hierarchical, and authoritarian. Instead, leverage your natural inclination toward transformational leadership, which is more collaborative, inspirational, and developmental1.
Transformational leaders aim to enhance the motivation, morale, and performance of their followers by working with them to identify needed change, to create a shared vision, and guide them through inspiration. They also seek to be role models who inspire their subordinates, invest a lot of time in coaching their team members care about their personal development, and emphasize teamwork and authentic communication as key to success1.
Some examples of successful women leaders who use transformational leadership are Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, who encourages women to lean in and pursue their ambitions; Stephanie Buscemi, COO of Salesforce’s cloud business, who fosters a culture of innovation and inclusion; and Oprah Winfrey, media mogul and philanthropist, who empowers people to live their best lives.
2. Recognize the Problem, But Don’t Dwell on It
As a woman leader, you will inevitably face some challenges and difficulties that are specific to your gender. You may encounter sexism, discrimination, harassment, or bias from your colleagues, clients, or customers. You may also face some internal challenges, such as self-doubt, impostor syndrome, or fear of failure.
While it is important to recognize and acknowledge these problems, it is equally important not to dwell on them or let them define you. Instead, focus on finding solutions, taking action, and moving forward. Don’t let the negative experiences or feedback discourage you or hold you back. Instead, use them as opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.
One example of a woman leader who overcame adversity and turned it into a positive force is Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States. She faced racism, sexism, and criticism throughout her life and career, but she never let them stop her from pursuing her goals and passions. She used her platform to advocate for causes such as education, health, and women’s rights and inspired millions of people around the world with her grace, intelligence, and charisma.
3. Learn as Much as You Can, as Fast as You Can
One of the best ways to succeed as a woman leader is to constantly learn new skills, knowledge, and insights that can help you grow and excel in your field. Whether it is through formal education, online courses, books, podcasts, mentors, or peers, you should always seek to expand your horizons and challenge yourself.
Learning new things can help you stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changing situations, and solve problems creatively. It can also help you build your confidence, credibility, and authority as a leader. The more you know, the more you can contribute and influence others.
4. Welcome Tough Questions and Feedback
As a woman leader, you may sometimes face tough questions or feedback from your stakeholders, such as your boss, your team, your customers, or your investors. These questions or feedback may challenge your decisions, your strategies, your results, or your leadership style. They may also expose some gaps or weaknesses in your performance or approach.
Instead of avoiding or resenting these questions or feedback, you should welcome them and use them as opportunities to improve and grow. Don’t take them personally or defensively, but rather listen to them with an open mind and a positive attitude. Try to understand the perspective and intention behind them, and respond with honesty, humility, and clarity.
One example of a woman leader who welcomes tough questions and feedback is Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany. She is known for her calm and rational approach to dealing with complex and controversial issues, such as the European debt crisis, the refugee crisis, and the Covid-19 pandemic. She listens to different opinions and perspectives and explains her decisions and actions with facts and logic.
5. Find Your Supporters and Mentors
One of the most valuable things you can have as a woman leader is a network of supporters and mentors who can help you navigate your career and leadership journey. These are people who can offer you advice, guidance, feedback, encouragement, and inspiration. They can also connect you with opportunities, resources, and contacts that can help you advance and achieve your goals.
Your supporters and mentors can be anyone who has your best interest at heart, such as your family, friends, colleagues, peers, or role models. You can also join or create communities of like-minded women who can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with you. You can also seek out or offer mentorship to other women who are aspiring or emerging leaders in your field.
