Characteristics of Successful Women Leaders

While women have made great strides in the business world, they remain underrepresented in top positions within companies. This is even though studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership tend to perform better. So why is this? One reason may be that the qualities that female leaders are more likely to possess—such as empathy, vulnerability, and a communal approach to leadership—are not often valued in the business world. This is a shame, as these are precisely the kind of qualities that are essential for success in uncertain times like these.

The Importance of Empathy

The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person is crucial for building trust and developing positive relationships. Those who lack empathy tend to be viewed as cold or aloof, neither of which are qualities that inspire confidence in others. However, empathy isn't just about feeling sorry for someone or agreeing with them all the time. It's also about being able to see things from their perspective and understanding their needs. Only then can you truly develop a connection with them.

The Power of Vulnerability

Contrary to popular belief, vulnerability is not a weakness. On the contrary, it takes a great deal of courage to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable means being open and honest about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences—even if they are painful or difficult to talk about. It also means being willing to let others see you as you truly are, warts and all. This may not seem like an important quality for a leader, but it goes a long way in building trust and rapport with others. When people see that you're willing to be vulnerable, they feel more comfortable being open and honest with you in turn.

A Communal Approach to Leadership

Successful women leaders tend to take a more communal approach to leadership than their male counterparts. This means that they focus on collective success rather than individual achievement. They also emphasize cooperation over competition and work to create an environment where everyone can succeed. This style of leadership is particularly effective in times of crisis, as it allows for quicker decision-making and greater agility in the face of change. It also fosters a sense of community and belonging among team members, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and motivation.

Creating Women-Empowered Workplaces

Creating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion isn’t just about recruiting people from diverse backgrounds. It’s about setting them up for success in their careers and roles. Women in mentorship and sponsorship roles do just that. When women are in positions of power, they create opportunities and guide other women to follow in their footsteps. They also act as role models and help to break down barriers that stand in the way of women’s advancement.

Mentorship and sponsorship programs are one way to create women-empowered workplaces. These programs pair senior-level women with junior-level employees, to provide mentees with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed in their careers. But mentorship and sponsorship programs are just one part of the equation. To truly create an equitable and inclusive workplace, organizations need to take a comprehensive approach that includes everything from recruitment and hiring to promotion and leadership development.

By taking a women-empowered approach to the workplace, organizations can not only create a more equitable and inclusive environment, but can also reap the many benefits that come with it. These benefits include increased engagement and productivity, lower turnover rates, and higher levels of innovation and creativity. In other words, when women are empowered at work, everyone wins.