While progress has been made, women continue to face unique barriers and obstacles on the path to leadership. For emerging female leaders looking to break through these barriers, empowerment, and community are key. By embracing our authentic selves, finding support systems, and opening doors for other women, we can overcome obstacles to female leadership. This article provides tips for how women can empower themselves and each other to achieve leadership success.
1. Know Your Worth
The first step to empowerment is recognizing your self-worth. Understand your value and don’t allow others to diminish it. Building confidence and resisting self-doubt can help you break through barriers. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let your voice be heard. Your perspective deserves to be at the table.
2. Surround Yourself with Community
Finding a strong network of mentors, sponsors, peers, and professionals that “look like you” can provide community through the ups and downs of leadership. They can offer guidance to overcome obstacles to female leadership that you may face. Plus, having examples of successful women leaders can inspire you to reach new heights.
3. The Power of Visible Role Models
When you achieve a leadership role, you also take on the responsibility of being a visible role model for those behind you. This allows the next generation to envision what is possible. Consider how you can lift other women up through formal or informal mentorship. Opening doors for emerging female leaders can empower more women to shatter glass ceilings.
4. Owning Your Leadership Style
Leadership styles and qualities like collaboration, empathy, and communication have historically been seen as more “feminine.” However, these skills are all invaluable for effective, compassionate leadership. Have confidence owning these strengths as you develop your unique leadership style. Rather than conform yourself to preconceived notions of what a leader “should” look like, boldly be your authentic self without apology.
5. Break Barriers Through Self-Advocacy
Do not underestimate the power of speaking up for yourself and advocating for your needs. Women often downplay their own abilities or wait to be noticed by those in leadership roles. However, advocating for leadership opportunities when you want them can help put you on a faster track. Whether it be asking for a seat at the executive table, a raise, or a promotion, clearly communicating your aspirations breaks barriers. Come armed with data and details about your proven contributions. With unapologetic self-advocacy and confidence, we can shift outdated mindsets around female leadership potential.
6. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The road to leadership contains twists, turns, and barriers. As women, we often face extra adversity and obstacles to female leadership in male-dominated environments. But resilience is key to breaking through barriers that stand in your way. Develop skills like emotional intelligence, stress management, and maintaining a growth mindset. With grit and resilience, you can persevere through challenges on the path to leadership success.
The journey to leadership brings both obstacles and opportunities for today’s emerging female leaders. While systemic barriers still exist, the empowering tips above can help propel you confidently towards your highest leadership potential while also lifting other women along the way.
