Top Tips for Emerging Female Leaders
By Shari Steinbach, MS RDN, RDBA Contributing Editor
If you look at dynamic, influential women leaders, they appear to have several common traits. These 10 tips are derived from those traits and provide guidance to all females looking to expand into a leadership role.
- Be resilient – Resilience is a quality that lets you deal with adversity and come back stronger. Optimism, the ability to regulate emotions and the ability to see failure as a chance to grow are all factors that help you become more resilient. These recommended books offer more ways to learn about developing greater resilience.
- Be humble – Top leaders direct their ego away from themselves toward the larger goal of leading their team and company to success. Approaching situations with humility opens up more possibilities as you remain more open-minded to solutions outside of your own point of view.
- Play to your strengths – Do you know what your true strengths are? If not take some time for a self-assessment and ask others what they think. Your strengths should be cultivated to build your career. This knowledge also helps you build a team with diverse strengths that complement each other.
- Take risks – We often see a confidence gap when it comes to men and women. In fact, many women won’t try for a promotion unless they feel they have all the qualifications needed. Men on the other hand, will go for it with as little as 60% of the qualifications. Practice being a bit risky and take small steps like speaking up when needed, or asking to attend important meetings.
- Be of service – Leaders often volunteer their time by connecting their expertise and resources where needed. Help others by coaching, mentoring, or providing assistance to those above you. Being of service to others makes you stand out as a leader at work and in your community.
- Don’t compare – Brené Brown states that “comparison kills creativity.” While it’s certainly hard not to compare ourselves to others, remember that it will inhibit your ability to be a successful leader. Remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments that have helped you to succeed.
- Find a mentor – Almost ever leader has risen to the top with at least one mentor. This person can be anyone that can offer support in your leadership journey. From a challenging project, to a personal situation, a mentor can help you through tough times and offer guidance. Don’t forget to show how grateful you are to them.
- Don’t be critical – One of the greatest barriers to success for emerging female leaders is often being competitive, critical and negative toward other women. Offer praise and support to other women you see succeeding as they are paving the way for future women leaders.
- Use grace and kindness to demonstrate your strength – I’ve often heard women state that to succeed, especially in a male-dominated work environment, that they need to be rude and bossy to show their strength. However, the strongest female leaders are actually inclusive, thoughtful and kind. Show your toughness by being fair and honest and by using mindful communication.
- Practice self-care – Leaders can’t take care of others unless they are caring for themselves. Do what you need to do to recharge your batteries and experience relaxation and joy.
