Women and Leadership: Unlocking Your Unique Strengths

It’s no secret that women are often held to a different standard than men when it comes to leadership roles. That being said, women have unique strengths that can be used to their advantage.

First things first - women do not have to lead their companies that same way men traditionally do if they do not want to. In general, women tend to be better at fostering relationships, being more compassionate and understanding, and leading with empathy. This hidden superpower is extremely beneficial in any industry or field, as the ability to connect with others on a deeper level fosters exceptional qualities in the workplace.

Let's explore the ways that women lead differently than men - and the benefits of embracing our own style. 

Communication

Women tend to have a more relationship-driven communication style. We take into account the feelings of others and are often more open to collaboration. This allows us to create an environment where everyone feels valued and heard, which encourages team members to work together towards common goals. Women are typically willing to give more feedback than men, which allows them to continue foster those relationships with their team (or clients) while also encouraging them reach their full potential. 

Adaptability 

Women often thrive in rapidly changing environments because they are able to quickly adapt and respond to changes without missing a beat. Throughout history, this has made women exceptional at handling the day-to-day around the house - especially with small children - as we all know how quickly things can change when you have little ones running around.

But this incredible trait isn't limited to making women great mothers, it makes them exceptional leaders. Adaptability is an invaluable asset during times of uncertainty or when projects require quick decisions that must be made under pressure. Women's ability to think on their feet makes them a valuable leader, be in a CEO or a leader within team, who can handle any situation that comes their way with grace and poise. 

Empathy 

Women are known for being able to put themselves in other people’s shoes and seek to understand. This gives them the ability to respond better during difficult conversations and make decisions that prioritize their people. This trait empowers women to be BOTH nurturing AND strong leaders capable of building strong relationships with their teams. People appreciate when a leader is willing to take into consideration the needs and concerns of the the team as a whole before making any major decisions.

Connection

Women have always been known for their ability to nurture relationships. This is especially beneficial in the business world, where strong connections can lead to success. When people feel valued and heard, they are more likely to go all in on projects and company goals, because they know that when the company wins, everyone wins.

How many companies have you worked for in the past that talked about company goals with no reward to those who help make it happen? Did your former employers even know what was important to you outside of work? Women have a unique ability to foster connections that focus on helping individuals grow and reach their personal goals while still being able to bring everyone together to focus on company goals - which makes them excellent leaders.

Transformational Leadership

In a number of workplace studies, men are traditionally shown to have a more transactional leadership style. Transactional leadership is a leadership style that focuses on processes and numbers. Women, on the other hand, tend to have a more transformational leadership approach. This leadership style focuses on inspiration and communication - and for many of the women inside the Be in the Room community, their business naturally grows as a result.

Both transactional and transformational leadership have their place. But here's the deal. You get to choose to lead however you want to lead. So, if embracing your natural connection and empathetic qualities is what feels good to you - do it.

The Takeaway

So, what does all of this mean for you as a woman in business? It means that you have some amazing qualities that make you perfect for whatever leadership role you want. You're able to collaborate, adapt quickly, put yourself in other people's shoes, and build strong relationships - all while being nurturing and inspiring. Plus, your ability to connect with others makes it more likely that everyone will buy into company goals and be willing to help achieve them. Basically, when it comes to leadership qualities, women have a lot more to offer than they sometimes realize.