The art of leading with vision and empathy

In recent years, feminine leadership has become a topic of major interest, both globally and in Romania.

More and more women are entering leadership positions, demonstrating competence, vision and the ability to successfully manage businesses and teams.

Romania stands out for its significant feminine presence at the leadership level, both in startups and corporations, actively contributing to the country's economic and social development.

Although the path to leadership involves challenges, every feminine leader contributes to economic progress through strategic thinking and empathy.

Increasing the influence of women in leadership positions

Romania is at a time of significant change, where women are increasingly taking on more leadership roles and contributing directly to economic development.

According to a study conducted in 2023 by the Organization of Women Entrepreneurs, 25% of Romanian companies are owned by women, and their profitability is almost double compared to companies run exclusively by men.

This reality highlights the efficiency of women in managing businesses and adopting innovative strategies.

Furthermore, data from the National Trade Registry Office shows that 36% of leadership positions are held by women, which equates to over 617,000 feminine leaders in various industries.

Characteristics of feminine leadership

Feminine leadership is distinguished by an empathetic approach, oriented towards collaboration and team development. Feminine leaders excel in building relationships, active listening and creating an inclusive work environment. They emphasize emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to manage complexity with balance.

Their approach is often transformational, inspiring change through vision and authenticity. At the same time, feminine leadership highlights flexibility and the ability to adapt to new challenges.

It promotes a leadership style based on trust, recognition and motivation, which contributes to the sustainable performance of organizations.

• A more empathetic and motivating work environment: The leadership style based on empathy creates a positive work climate, which favors collaboration and innovation. Feminine leaders are known for their ability to motivate teams and build long-lasting relationships with employees.
• Adaptability and resilience: Companies led by women demonstrate greater flexibility in the face of economic and social changes, thanks to the ability of leaders to effectively manage risks and identify opportunities.
• Team development and talent growth: Feminine leadership places particular emphasis on the professional development of employees, investing time and resources in mentoring, coaching and continuous training.
• Focus on building relationships: Feminine leaders excel in creating and maintaining solid relationships, based on trust and transparency. These authentic connections contribute to employee loyalty and the creation of a harmonious and collaborative work environment.

Challenges for women in leadership

Women’s leadership faces unique challenges, influenced by social expectations, stereotypes, and work-life balance. Women leaders often face prejudices related to their leadership style, being perceived as either too tough or too empathetic.

Access to top positions remains limited, and the need to constantly demonstrate competence is greater than for men. In addition, support and mentoring networks are essential but underdeveloped.

Although progress is visible, women in leadership positions continue to face significant challenges:

• Leadership style stereotypes: There are perceptions that more empathetic or collaborative approaches are less effective, although studies show the opposite.
• Work-life balance: Many women must simultaneously manage their careers and family responsibilities, without the benefit of flexible organizational policies.
• Limited access to top positions: Although women represent a significant proportion of the workforce, the number of those reaching top leadership roles is still low, due to structural and cultural barriers.
• The need to constantly demonstrate competence: Women leaders are often held to higher standards than their male colleagues, requiring them to repeatedly prove their worth to gain recognition and credibility.

Initiatives to support feminine leadership

To accelerate the rise of women in leadership, strategic initiatives and supportive policies are needed:

a. Specific mentoring programs

Creating mentoring programs dedicated to women leaders is essential to support them in overcoming professional challenges. An experienced mentor can provide strategic guidance, practical advice and emotional support, helping to develop leadership skills and increase confidence.

Mentoring facilitates access to valuable professional networks and career opportunities. Companies that implement formal mentoring and sponsorship initiatives to support the advancement of women in leadership positions contribute to reducing the representation gap at the executive level, promoting diversity in leadership.

b. Supporting feminine entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs face specific challenges in developing their businesses, including the lack of support networks. To encourage feminine entrepreneurship, it is essential to have dedicated programs, such as special funds, grants and advantageous lines of credit.

In addition, training in financial management, leadership and attracting investment can significantly contribute to the success of women-led businesses. Business incubators, mentoring and networking networks are key factors for sustainable growth.

c. Promoting empathetic leadership

Empathetic leadership brings numerous benefits, improving team relationships, increasing employee motivation and strengthening organizational culture. Leaders who practice active listening and understand the needs of their colleagues create a work environment based on trust and collaboration.

This approach promotes balanced decision-making that takes into account both business objectives and employee well-being. Companies can support empathetic leadership through personal development training, coaching programs, and by recognizing values such as respect, flexibility, and open communication, essential for performance.

In conclusion

Feminine leadership in Romania is more than a trend. It is a reality that is transforming the business environment. Women in leadership positions actively contribute to the development of a stronger economy through strategic thinking, empathy, and effective decision-making.

It is essential to support women through mentoring, access to resources, and the promotion of strategies that help them achieve their goals.

The future of leadership will be marked by leaders who combine emotional intelligence with a clear strategic vision, and women have already demonstrated that they can be drivers of this transformation.

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About PKF Finconta

The PKF Finconta Group consists of five Romanian-owned companies: PKF Finconta, PKF Finconta Consultan??, PKF Finconta HR, PKF Finconta ESG, and Finconta Consulting SPRL, all members of national professional organizations CECCAR, CAFR, CCFR, and UNPIR. Through these companies, we provide services including financial audit, ESG reporting, corporate financial analysis, tax consultancy, preparation of transfer pricing documentation, accounting services, payroll, human resources, insolvency, audit of non-reimbursable funds, and acquisition due diligence. Find out more on our website: www.pkffinconta.ro.