From Glass Ceiling to Glass Microphone: How Women Can Break Through Communication Barriers in Tech Leadership

In the world of professional growth, we often hear about the glass ceiling, that invisible barrier that limits women's advancement in the workplace.

Today, I want to talk about a different but equally impactful barrier: the glass microphone.

Just as the glass ceiling hinders our progress upward, the glass microphone stifles our ability to communicate effectively, hindering our influence and impact.

Many women in tech leadership may not even realize they've hit this barrier until they feel the frustration of not being heard, not being taken seriously, or having their ideas dismissed before they're fully explained.

This lack of effective communication can cost us our careers, limiting our ability to make a difference and advance in our fields.

For women to break through the glass microphone, I need to acknowledge why communication is so important, especially for women in the tech industry, understanding how men and women communicate differently, covering things like how we speak, how we act, and how we write. I want to also talk about the problems women face, like not being listened to or taken seriously, and how they can deal with these issues. There are some common mistakes women make in communication that can hold back their careers and offer some tips to avoid them.

I also want to talk about how being emotionally smart can help women communicate better, including understanding others' feelings and adapting your message to suit them.

Lastly, the importance of speaking up confidently, suggesting solutions, and following through on ideas. We aim to help women in tech leadership improve their communication skills and overcome barriers in their careers.

Communication plays a critical role in our careers. It's not just about exchanging information; it's about building connections, influencing others, and driving change. In the fast-paced tech industry, being able to communicate effectively can be a game-changer. It can help us navigate challenges, build strong teams, and inspire others.

Verbal, non-verbal, and written communication forms, are crucial in the workplace, fostering collaboration and understanding among team members. Despite advancements in AI, effective communication remains essential for successful teamwork, collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and maintaining a positive work environment. In human-based workplaces, where interpersonal connections are key, investing in communication skills is vital for achieving organizational goals and sustaining growth.

As leaders, our ability to communicate clearly and empathetically can foster a positive work culture and drive organizational success.

For leaders, communication takes precedence, comprising 99% of their responsibilities. It's important to understand that strategies, delivery, and other aspects of leadership rely fundamentally on effective communication. Within this context, the challenges faced by women in communication, within the culture of a masculine landscape is where they are often seen but not heard. Women are criticized for being perceived as both too timid and too aggressive, and women are forced to play on an unfair playing field in their careers. Despite their expertise and contributions, women often find themselves sidelined or ignored in male-dominated environments. Overcoming this challenge requires not only assertive communication but also a strategic approach to making oneself heard and valued.

Nevertheless, there is a positive aspect: when women break through these barriers and learn to articulate their thoughts effectively, their communication skills often surpass their male peers. This is not due to inherent superiority but rather the necessity for women to be exceptional communicators to overcome gender biases and stereotypes, as precision becomes a prerequisite for gaining traction. Once mastered, women tend to find communication easier and inherently excel in it.

As a result, women in tech leadership roles often exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience in their communication styles, setting them apart in their field.

So, some common pitfalls that hinder women's career growth in tech leadership due to the glass microphone effect, is firstly verbose communication. While it's natural to want to explain things thoroughly, bosses and peers often don't have the time or expertise to digest lengthy explanations. Learning to be concise and get to the point can significantly improve communication effectiveness.

Another aspect to consider is striking the right balance in the amount of information shared. It's essential to provide enough details to instill confidence in your boss, peers, or colleagues regarding your expertise. However, overloading them with excessive information may lead to unnecessary critique and over-analysis.

Another key issue is relying too heavily on bosses and peers as sounding boards, especially as you climb higher in your career. While seeking feedback and advice is valuable, it's important to recognize that they may not always have the bandwidth or expertise to provide the level of guidance needed. Instead, consider seeking out a coach or mentor who can offer more targeted, expert advice and guidance tailored to your unique insights and expertise, recognizing the distinction between teaching and coaching in your professional journey.

By addressing these challenges and adjusting our communication strategies, we can overcome the glass microphone effect and enhance our career growth in tech leadership.

To be able to effectively communicate, women in tech leadership do need to understand how crucial of a role emotional intelligence plays. Emotional intelligence is key to understanding others' needs, motivations, and perspectives. So, start creating relationships with your team members and get to know them. Learn what motivates them, lights them up, and what they’re passionate about. Are they a big-picture person or a detail-oriented person? Are they visionary or more analytical?

By empathizing with others, we can tailor our communication to be more effective and impactful. This skill is particularly important in the tech industry, where collaboration and teamwork are essential for success.

To improve our emotional intelligence, we can employ various strategies. First, we can work on actively listening to others and being attentive to their verbal and non-verbal cues. This allows us to better understand their emotions and respond appropriately. Additionally, we can practice empathy by putting ourselves in others' shoes and considering their perspectives before responding.

Tailoring communication to different individuals is another important aspect of emotional intelligence. People have different communication styles and preferences, so it's essential to adapt our approach accordingly. This might involve adjusting our tone, language, and level of detail to ensure our message resonates with the recipient.

Non-verbal cues and body language also play a significant role in effective communication. Paying attention to these cues can help us gauge the other person's reactions and adjust our communication accordingly. For example, maintaining eye contact, using open body language, and mirroring the other person's gestures can enhance rapport and understanding.

When preparing for significant interactions, I’d invite you to consider the desired outcome and the current situation of each stakeholder.

This involves:

1?? Envisioning where you want someone to be at the end of a conversation (point C),

2?? Assessing where they currently stand (point A),

3?? Identifying the obstacles (point B) preventing them from reaching point C with you.

This preparation should be done well in advance of the meeting to ensure that your ideas are effectively communicated and understood by all parties involved.

By honing our emotional intelligence and employing these strategies, we can improve our communication skills and become more effective leaders in the tech industry.

Let's talk about the importance of speaking up more in tech leadership roles. One key aspect is getting comfortable with thinking on your feet. In fast-paced environments, being able to respond quickly and confidently is crucial.

We have a “think-on-your-feet” formula in our programs because for many it is hard or not done effectively and misses the mark. The short version of it is to first focus on being ready to generate ideas on time if you struggle with that (that takes some coaching, but I’m yet to find someone who hasn’t done this in 2 weeks of working with us!), then focus on articulating those ideas and pitching them in an effective way in the room. This requires confidence, emotional intelligence, and reading the room.

This skill can be honed through practice and by staying informed about current trends and developments in your field.

In the realm of effective communication, less is often more. For individuals brimming with ideas, it's beneficial to slow down and focus on one key concept at a time. Selecting a single idea to advance, obtaining buy-in from others, and then pausing can lead to more impactful communication and better outcomes.

Another important point is the need to be a solutions person rather than just pointing out problems. While it's essential to identify issues, it's equally important to offer constructive solutions. This proactive approach not only demonstrates leadership but also helps drive positive change within your organization.

Following through on ideas and solutions is also critical. It's not enough to just come up with great ideas; you need to see them through to completion. This involves setting clear goals, creating actionable plans, and staying committed to seeing them through. This level of dedication and follow-through sets a powerful example for your team and can lead to significant accomplishments in your career.

By encouraging women to speak up more, focus on solutions, and follow through on their ideas, we can empower them to become more effective leaders in the tech industry.

Clarity in communicating with your team is key because part of your success is based on your team’s success. So, don’t ignore how you communicate with your team. Articulate expectations, goals, and priorities to avoid misunderstandings and ensure everyone knows what is expected of them. This clarity helps maintain focus and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives.

Morale is another crucial aspect of communication with your team. Positive and encouraging communication can boost morale and motivation, leading to higher levels of engagement and productivity. Conversely, negative or unclear communication can demotivate team members and hinder performance.

Aligning team actions with the broader business impact is also essential. Help your team understand how their work contributes to the overall success of the organization. This understanding can increase their sense of purpose and drive them to perform at their best.

Breaking the glass microphone is essential for women in tech leadership to advance their careers. By understanding the barriers to effective communication and implementing strategies to overcome them, women can enhance their influence and impact in the workplace.

If this has resonated with you and you're ready to take your communication skills to the next level and break through that proverbial glass microphone, come chat with me and my team, and consider coaching with us.

Visit tonicollis.com/workwithtoni to learn more.

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