With women holding less than 20 percent of leadership positions in the workforce, it’s more important than ever to educate and prepare women for higher roles in their career. While some may point to a lack of opportunity or the fear of failure as the culprits for this low statistic, others would argue that fierce determination and self-reflection can help women overcome any obstacles they may face throughout their career.
Women looking to climb the leadership ladder already have the advantages of being strong, determined, and motivated – however, it is important to step back and begin with self-reflection before laying out a strategic plan for their personal and professional growth. Once an end goal has been envisioned, women should follow the below practices to position themselves for success:
1.Master the art of the communication
Communication is said to be among a woman’s strongest skill – use it! For those already in a leadership role, don’t only communicate with your employees to articulate what you need from them, but allow them to openly express what they need from you as well.
While open communication in the workplace seems like an obvious enough practice, it continues to be overshadowed by deadlines, meetings and emails. Whether communicating with employers, co-workers, or partners, don’t fall into the pitfalls of a busy schedule. Keeping communication lines open across the board will convey your ability to work well with others and will create a more productive work atmosphere. Finding unique avenues for communication can be a useful tool for accomplishing this. Consider internal-only social media pages, weekly coffee meetings or mobile chat apps to create multiple streams of communication that will allow you to stay connected to your coworkers and customers in an efficient and personal way.
2.Increase your skill set
Employers want highly educated people working for them who possess a broad range of skills. Determine what would be most beneficial for you, whether it be learning a new technology, taking a new class, or getting an additional degree. Bringing new skills and knowledge to the table will keep you on track for a higher-level position and show your employer you are serious about your leadership development.
Additionally, learn as much as you can from others who are or have been in your shoes. Attending workshops with keynote speakers can be an incredibly inspiring and valuable way to gain first-hand advice and insight into the leadership realm, and can even begin to help shape your own organic leadership style.
Attending industry events and trade show expos can also be a highly constructive use of your spare time. These provide the perfect venues for mingling with like minded individuals who can share their best practices with you, as well as giving you the ability to get a leg-up with current industry trends affecting your career. Networking and building relationships with these people can certainly help you in the long run.
3.Be a positive influence on others
Building positive relationships with colleagues will create a unified workplace where you and your co-workers are more productive. Not only will your boss value your contribution, but your influence will be reflected in the attitudes of those around you.
As a leader, this will also factor into your geniality and approachability. Showing that you can communicate and collaborate efficiently with others on a variety of tasks will demonstrate that you’re able to earn the trust and respect of your coworkers, further preparing you for a leadership role and proving to your employer that you’re qualified for the position.
4.Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone
The fear of failure can be suffocating, but playing it safe can hinder your ability to prove you’re ready for more responsibility. Seek out new roles, new assignments, and new partnerships. These will create avenues for personal development and growth.
Don’t be afraid to explore advanced career options in other industries as well. Sometimes the key to success is a fresh start. For example, I came from the world of chemical engineering but had a desire to be an entrepreneur. Taking on the challenge of developing a business from the ground up was surely outside of my comfort zone, but it led to a thriving 65-unit plus franchise system and a new role as president of this multi-million dollar company, Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More.
These best practices will set you on the path of becoming an outstanding employee and help you climb the leadership ladder. By taking the time to expand your knowledge, take risks, and hone in on critical business skills, you can win recognition in the workplace, rise to the top, become a decision maker, and be part of the movement to close the gender leadership gap.
Christina (Tina) Bacon-DeFrece, Ph.D., President of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More
Tina is responsible for strategic planning and tactical development for all aspects of the Big Frog Brand. Tina works with the Big Frog staff and corporate vendors to coordinate a symbiotic approach to the marketing materials and programs to maintain a homogeneous look for all aspects of the BIG FROG Brand. Prior to her foray into franchising, Tina; as a PhD. Chemical Engineer, was a research director for a multi million dollar scientific instrument company. Tina parlayed this experience into starting the Big Frog concept by servicing a large niche market that had previously gone un-served. Tina’s successful scientific background brings a fresh perspective to the “science of business” and is proven by the successful growth of the franchise, and the national recognition of the BIG FROG Brand.