Explore strategies to help women overcome leadership challenges, including resilience, networking, mentorship, and building supportive communities for an inclusive workplace.
The article addresses the complex challenges women face in ascending to leadership roles. It offers practical strategies and insights for overcoming obstacles within the leadership landscape, emphasizing the need for resilience, networking, and skill development. The author discusses the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in fostering professional growth and highlights the value of cultivating a supportive community that empowers women to navigate their career paths confidently. By providing actionable tools and resources, the article aims to inspire women to embrace their leadership potential and effectively maneuver through the intricacies of the leadership labyrinth, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture.
In the United States, women earn 57 percent of bachelor’s degrees, 60 percent of master’s degrees, and 53 percent of doctoral degrees while women also make up more than half (50.03 percent) of the United States labor force (National Center of Education Statistics, 2018; Kelly 2020). However, only 5.8 percent of S&P 500 CEOs are women and only 21.2 percent of S&P 500 board seats are taken by women (Catalyst, 2020).
Why is there a gap between leadership roles and women? Is there a way to close the gap? Let’s find out.
In 1986, a term called theglass ceilingwas used to explain an invisible barrier that blocked women form attaining leadership roles (Hymowitz & Schellhardt). However, Eagly and Carli, professors of psychology, found the term to be generic; furthermore, it did not fully explain specific challenges women face when trying to pursue leadership roles. So, Eagly and Carli came up with a new term: leadership labyrinth (2007). This term, which is now more commonly used, explains the unique journey a women must go through—from the bottom or top of an organization—to get a leadership role. Some women, with obstacles and challenges along the way, have successfully navigated the leadership labyrinth and to great leadership roles and experiences.
But shouldn’t all women get the opportunity to be in a leadership position? How can more women navigate the leadership labyrinth? Let’s look at some tools that can help women with their leadership journeys.
No. 1: Change Organizational Culture
Organizational culture of a company influences the way women can attain leadership roles. Certain cultures are positive in helping women get leadership experience while others are negative. The following are ways a company can change the culture to get women more leadership experience:
Following these suggestions will provide the company not only a positive change in culture but also greater success for women.
No. 2: Provide Developmental Opportunities
Some companies are open to the idea of diversity in leadership roles; however, companies do not know how to go about diversifying their leadership. The following are ideas a company could implement to increase leadership diversification:
Giving women developmental opportunities is a keyway for them to close the leadership gap in their personal careers.
No. 3: Overcome Societal Norms
Society has placed certain stereotypes and norms on women that are not always conducive for pursing a leadership role. Responsibilities normally placed on women, such as raising children or cleaning the home, have been increasingly equal between women and their spouses; however, improvements can be made to these stereotypes and norms. The following are ideas you can use to help overcome societal norms:
Following these ideas will help give women the balance, power, and protection needed to overcome societal norms.
No. 4: Support Women-Owned Business
Women-owned businesses compose 39 percent of private business, give 8 percent of employment, and contribute 4.2 percent of revenues (National Association of Women Business Owners, 2020). Women have great opportunities to develop their leadership skills as they pursue entrepreneurship. The following are ideas to support women in entrepreneurship:
Following these ideas will increase the number of women-owned businesses and create opportunities to develop leadership through entrepreneurship.
Now that you have learned some tools, what will you do to navigate the labyrinth? How can you help other women navigate the labyrinth? You should take five minutes today to think of at least three ways you can help yourself or other women lessen the leadership gap and navigate the labyrinth. You can do it!
Sources
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Kelly, J. (2020, January, 13). Women now hold more jobs than men in the U.S. workforce.Forbes.https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2020/01/13/women-now-hold-more-job-than-men/#17a487528f8a
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