The Art of "I" vs. "We": Navigating Pronouns for Women Leaders

In leadership, the pronouns "I" and "we" hold more power than we often realize. They're not just placeholders in a sentence; they're reflections of our approach to leadership, teamwork, and self-acknowledgment. For women leaders, particularly, the choice between "I" and "we" navigates a nuanced landscape of gender expectations, collaborative culture, and the imperative of asserting individual achievements. Yikes!

Today, let’s take a closer look at the artful balance of "I" and "we," exploring how women leaders can strategically use these pronouns to amplify their impact, assert their leadership, and foster inclusive, collaborative teams.

The Strategic Power of "I"

The pronoun "I" is a tool of empowerment and clarity. It's about owning your achievements, your decisions, and your leadership. In contexts where individual contributions and accountability are paramount, "I" places you firmly at the center of your narrative, highlighting your role, your initiative, and your impact.

Asserting Leadership and Achievement

For women in leadership, using "I" is especially crucial when discussing personal accomplishments and roles in successful projects. It clearly attributes the success to your efforts, ensuring your contributions are recognized and valued. This clarity is essential, not just for the sake of recognition, but for career advancement, building credibility, and establishing your leadership presence.

However, doing so is not without its challenges. Societal norms often encourage women to adopt a more collaborative, less self-promoting communication style (I could talk about this for days, but for the sake of brevity, I won't do so here). But, when we underplay our achievements with a well-intentioned "we," we risk obscuring our leadership and masking the specific contribution, failing to fully claim our achievements. The strategic use of "I" is a declarative statement of our capabilities and accomplishments, and encourages a culture where women’s leadership is visible and celebrated.

The Collaborative Essence of "We"

On the flip side, "we" is the language of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared vision. It reflects a leadership style that values every team member's contributions, building a sense of belonging and collective achievement. "We" is about creating an environment where success is a shared journey, and every victory is a team victory.

Fostering Team Unity and Shared Success

For women leaders, "we" resonates with the often inherent strength of fostering collaboration and nurturing team dynamics. It’s a testament to the belief that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In celebrating our collective efforts, "we" not only uplifts the team but also reinforces the idea of leadership as a facilitative, inclusive process.

Let's be honest: using "we" is often simply easier, because its use means we avoid navigating any of the often-fraught waters of what it means to claim individual achievement.

Yet, the overuse of "we" can sometimes dilute the perception of leadership, making it imperative to find the right balance. You want to ensure that while the team's collaborative achievements are front and center, the unique role of your leadership in orchestrating that success is also acknowledged.

Navigating the Balance: Practical Strategies

So, how do we navigate the balance between "I" and "we"? We focus our attention on the nuances of context, awareness, and strategic choice. Here are some strategies:

Reflect on the Context

Consider the situation and the message you want to convey. Is the focus on individual contribution, accountability, or leadership? Or is it about team effort, collaboration, and shared success?

Be Intentional

Make a conscious choice about pronoun use based on the context. If you're discussing a project where your leadership was pivotal, don't shy away from "I." Conversely, when celebrating a team achievement, "we" showcases your inclusive leadership.

Communicate with Clarity

Use "I" to clearly articulate your role and contributions, especially in scenarios where your leadership drove the outcome. Use "we" to highlight teamwork, shared goals, and collective achievements. If you're talking to your direct supervisor, "we" is often the right choice, especially if your boss knows your team and what you're contributing. If you're talking to your skip-level boss or other "higher-ups" then use a blend of "I" and "we" to highlight the work of your team and your unique contribution.

Balance Visibility with Inclusivity

Ensure your leadership is visible through strategic "I" usage, while fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity with "we." This balance is key to asserting your role as a leader while building a strong, united team.

Language shapes perceptions, and for women leaders, the strategic use of "I" and "we" is a powerful tool in navigating professional landscapes. By consciously choosing between "I" and "we" and using them appropriately, we assert our achievements and leadership while celebrating our teams' collective efforts. This nuanced approach not only enhances our leadership presence but also champions a culture of inclusivity and shared success.