Dear Monsters,
Ever wondered what makes female leaders truly special?
Research indicates that diverse teams, including those led by women, tend to be more innovative. A study by McKinsey found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability. Furthermore, a Peterson Institute study found that companies with at least 30% female leaders had a net profit margin more than six percentage points higher than companies with no women in leadership roles.
When it comes to employee engagement, female leaders are often perceived as more empathetic and better communicators. According to a Harvard Business Review report, women tend to score higher in leadership effectiveness, especially in areas like inspiring and motivating others. But this is not all; some studies suggest that women leaders excel in crisis management. Research conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that countries with women leaders had fewer COVID-19 deaths.
And before I lose all my male readers here, let me offer you the following disclaimer.
It’s crucial to note that effective leadership is a result of a combination of factors, and individual qualities vary widely. Both male and female leaders can bring valuable skills and perspectives to the table. Diversity, including gender diversity, is about creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique strengths. And we need you, male leaders, to keep on reading! Do not disengage, please.
However, women are still underrepresented in leadership circles. Very often, we see female leaders fail or give up on their posts because those roles aren’t designed to be filled by women. Way too often, we hear the narrative that women need to change to take on more leadership roles. Apparently, they need to be more assertive, confident, bolder, and tougher. Simply put, they should act like the men around them to ace their careers.
Does this make any sense to you? I know, me neither. We should stop expecting that women will change to fit the needs of the workplace. The workplace needs to reform itself to adjust to the needs of its female employees. The sooner, the better. We need New Age Leaders to pave the way towards the diverse workplace. We need them to help us reimagine gender roles at work.
That is why I have always admired female leaders that are unapologetic and at peace with who they are. The Boss Lady was such a leader. She knew her strengths and her weaknesses but always stayed true to her leadership philosophy.
Today, let us give tribute to all of our female leaders by taking a deep dive into the key leadership philosophies I learned from the Boss Lady.
- Be Visible: Make your Story Heard
Your visibility isn’t only about you. It is about the others that look like you and have trouble finding positive role models. When you achieve something remarkable, don’t shy away from sharing it. Work on your personal brand, not as an act of vanity but as a beacon of inspiration. Recognize that your visibility is not self-serving; it’s a powerful force that motivates others to strive for greatness. As a female leader, embracing visibility is about inspiring a collective awareness, encouraging others to join the movement and play their part in the grand composition of success. Next time when you feel reluctant to get on that stage, remember about the others that could be inspired by your story.
- Be Inclusive: Build Bridges, Not Barriers
The path to effective leadership is paved with inclusivity. Female leaders understand the profound impact of involving the entire team in the journey. Yes, it might be chaotic initially, a symphony of diverse voices merging into a singular narrative. Yet, this chaos transforms into a harmonious melody that pays dividends in the long run. Inclusion is not just a leadership tactic; it’s the creation of a shared experience, a sense of ownership, and a profound connection. Female leaders silently champion the idea that a unified team is a formidable force capable of achieving extraordinary results.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Set Boundaries
In the hustle culture that often defines leadership, female leaders whisper a secret truth – be kind to yourself. As bosses, mothers, wives, and grandmothers, female leaders are expected to multitask and make the impossible happen. For this reason, many of them end up burnt out, drained, and leave their posts early. Think of Sanna Marin, the former Finnish prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, Nicola Sturgeon, Cheryl Sandberg, and many others. Switch off when needed, set boundaries that safeguard your well-being, and embrace breaks that rejuvenate your spirit. The ability to prioritize self-care is not a sign of weakness but a testament to leadership potential. Female leaders recognize that true leadership arises from a balanced and nourished soul. Forget the relentless hustle; leadership is a marathon, not a sprint. By nurturing themselves, they become beacons of resilience and inspiration for those they lead.
- You Can Have It All
For every woman who has pondered the age-old question of having it all, the answer, from the lips of the Boss Lady, resounds with a big YES. There is an entire collection of experiences, passions, and achievements waiting to be conducted in your life and career. The notion that you must choose between personal fulfillment and professional success is a limiting belief. Female leaders silently affirm that having it all is not just a possibility but a reality waiting to be embraced. Having it all at the same time, still seems to be an issue. New Age Leaders have the ability to redesign the workplace so that it fits with the individual needs and role.
Dear Monsters, you are the New Age Leaders that can bring about a fetter future for organisations and businesses. We need to stop expecting women to fit in. We need to make women feel welcome and recognised. Let’s start by acknowledging their unique perspectives, their multiple achievements and their personal battles, for they have them the wisdom to make a difference. Let’s live these unspoken rules and celebrate the transformative leadership that emerges when we unite on a common mission.
Let’s celebrate female leaders in all their glory, just the way they are.
Happy International Women’s Day!
