In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for sustainable solutions has never been more pressing. At the heart of this transformation lies a crucial component: leadership. Yet, despite the overwhelming evidence of women’s capabilities, we still see a glaring underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. This is not just a gender issue; it is a sustainability issue. If we are to build a prosperous and sustainable future, we must actively support and promote women into leadership positions, lots of them.
Increasing Women’s Leadership Roles
The data is unequivocal. According to the Zenger and Folkman research, women excel in seventeen out of nineteen well-researched leadership capabilities. These capabilities include areas such as taking initiative, developing others, and driving for results. Despite this, women remain underrepresented in leadership positions across various sectors and around our world. This gap is not due to a lack of competence but rather systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s advancement. It also reflects an oft-repeated ‘truth’ – that women don’t have what it takes to lead and/or have competing priorities (i.e. families). The real truth (yes, tautological) is very far from this.
To increase women’s leadership roles, organisations must implement proactive strategies. These include mentorship programs, flexible working conditions, and transparent promotion processes. Mentorship programs can provide women with the guidance and support needed to navigate their careers. Flexible working conditions ensure that women feel secure in both their work and care for family/community (however this is defined), making it easier to engage in leadership roles. Transparent promotion processes help identify and eliminate biases that might prevent women from advancing.
The Edelman Trust Barometer highlights a significant decline in trust in leadership. This decline underscores the need for leaders who are not only competent but also empathetic, transparent, and ethical. With their well-demonstrated leadership capabilities, women are well-positioned to restore this trust. However, this requires collaboration and support. It is not easy to be at the leading edge and, indeed, the subject of this time of transition and change.
The Role of Personal Development
Personal development is crucial for women aiming for leadership positions. In a world where the rules of the game are often stacked against them, women need to equip themselves with the skills and resilience required to succeed. It may not seem fair, but it’s a reality. This is where personal development comes into play.
Investing in personal development means continuously learning and adapting. It involves seeking feedback, attending leadership training, and engaging in self-reflection. Women need to build their courage (passion for purpose) and their skills around being seen. Development also includes developing a strong network of allies and mentors who can provide support and open doors. Particularly women for women.
Advice for Women in Leadership
For women aspiring to leadership roles, here is some advice to help navigate the journey:
      1.    Embrace Authenticity: Authentic leadership is about being true to yourself and your values. Don’t try to conform to traditional leadership styles if they don’t resonate with you. Authentic leaders are more relatable and trusted by their teams.
      2.    Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and allies who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities. Networking is not just about climbing the ladder; it’s about building meaningful relationships to support you throughout your career.
      3.    Develop Resilience: The leadership journey is often fraught with challenges. Developing resilience will help you navigate setbacks and stay focused on your goals. Resilience is built through self-care, seeking support when needed, and maintaining a positive outlook.
      4.    Seek Continuous Learning: The best leaders are lifelong learners. Seek out opportunities for professional development, whether through formal education, workshops (like our women in leadership programs), or self-directed learning. Stay curious and open to new ideas and perspectives.
      5.    Advocate for Yourself and other women: Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and advocate for your career advancement. This includes negotiating for promotions, pay raises, and resources that will help you succeed. Confidence in your abilities and contributions is key.
Call to action
Trust is fundamental to effective leadership and sustainable development. Women leaders have a unique opportunity to address this trust deficit. Women can build and restore trust within their organisations and communities by demonstrating integrity, transparency, and empathy.
Moreover, the Zenger and Folkman research shows that women excel in areas that are critical to trust-building, such as fostering collaboration, developing others, and practising ethical behaviour. Despite these strengths, women are often overlooked for leadership positions. This paradox must be addressed by changing the narrative around leadership and recognising the value that women bring to the table.
Organisations must also play their part by creating an environment where trust is cultivated. This involves establishing clear values and ethical standards, promoting open communication, and holding leaders accountable for their actions. By doing so, organisations can create a culture of trust that empowers all employees, including women, to thrive in leadership roles.
Supporting women in leadership positions is not just a matter of fairness; it is a strategic imperative for a sustainable future. We can create a more inclusive and resilient leadership landscape by increasing women’s leadership roles, investing in personal development (like women in leadership short courses), and addressing the trust deficit. The evidence is clear: women have the capabilities to excel in leadership. It is time to break down the barriers and unlock their full potential. The future of our planet depends on it.
Such a small thing!
To find out how we can support you or your women leaders learn more about our Compass Women in Leadership Programs.
