How Seasoned Women Leaders Can Empower Emerging Women Leaders: 10 Lessons from Sports
Ritu G. Mehrish, CSP
Executive and Team Coach, Global Speaker, Author. I help leaders and teams build sustainable leadership through behaviour change, mindset shift and deeper self-awareness.
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In the fast-paced world of business, women leaders face unique challenges. Learning from these challenges is crucial. Just as important is distilling and reinforcing their insights to empower other female executives in their team.?
From putting in place the right support networks to enabling every female executive with rewards and recognition, there are many ways in which women leaders can set up their emerging contemporaries for success.?
A recent conversation with Deepthi Bopaiah, CEO of the GoSports Foundation, on the Rewrite The Rules podcast threw up many leadership insights drawing from sports principles. The attitudes and behaviour sets of athletes and particular dynamics with their coaches can enlighten women leaders on how to support and spur on the success of female executives.
Here are ten actionable lessons drawn from the world of sports to help women in leadership positions execute their role as enablers.
10 Ways Women Leaders Can Smoothen the Track for Emerging Counterparts?
1. Building a Resilient Mindset
Resilience is crucial in both sports and business. Athletes face setbacks regularly but learn to bounce back quickly.
"We win and lose on a daily basis. You try again, figure it out again."?
In sports, athletes deal with failures like losing matches or injuries. Their ability to recover and push forward sets them apart.?
Similarly, female executives encounter setbacks such as failed projects or resistance to ideas. The key is to view these setbacks as opportunities for growth, not obstacles.
To foster resilience, create an environment that encourages risk-taking and innovation.?
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2. Promoting Failure as a Catalyst for Growth
In sports, failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success. Athletes encounter defeats and setbacks but use these experiences to come back stronger.?
As a woman leader, viewing failure as a stepping stone rather than an endpoint is essential. When failure is accepted and analysed, it becomes a tool for continuous improvement and creativity. Each setback offers a chance to learn, adapt and grow.
Embracing and promoting this attitude of resilience not only strengthens your leadership but also enables other female executives to persevere with their individual journeys.
"Growth is uncomfortable. Go through those phases," Deepthi advises.
Embracing this mindset and encouraging your team to see these moments as opportunities to grow rather than reasons to retreat is also crucial for fostering innovation.
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3. Cultivating a Culture of Inclusion
Creating an inclusive culture is critical to empowering women executives. Just as sports teams thrive on diversity, so do successful organisations.
As a woman leader, you hold the power to shape this culture. Your leadership can transform your organisation into a place where every voice is heard and valued. Ensure your workplace policies actively promote equality and inclusivity. Diverse teams bring unique perspectives, sparking creativity and enhancing problem-solving.?
An inclusive culture not only builds dynamic, innovative teams but also fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration.
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4. Establishing Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs
Mentorship is a game-changer in both sports and business. Experienced leaders guiding newcomers can create a significant impact.
"The role model concept works everywhere.”?
As a woman leader, you have the opportunity to establish robust mentorship and sponsorship programs within your organisation. Through these programs, senior female leaders can guide and support emerging executives, helping them navigate their career paths and overcome challenges.?
Create a structured mentorship program that pairs seasoned leaders with promising talent. These relationships build confidence, enhance skills and provide invaluable networking opportunities.
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5. Elevating Executives with Development Workshops
Just as athletes rely on rigorous training to excel, female executives need targeted leadership development to thrive.?
Leadership development workshops are pivotal in enhancing skills and boosting confidence. This investment in training yields long-term benefits.?
As a woman leader, you have the ability to champion and implement these development programs within your organisation. Workshops focusing on leadership skills, resilience and strategic thinking can prepare female executives for higher roles and greater responsibilities. These sessions not only build confidence but also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Encourage participation in leadership workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from emotional intelligence and conflict resolution to innovative thinking and effective communication.?
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6. Championing Work-Life Balance for Peak Performance
Just as athletes must balance intense training with rest to perform at their best, female executives require a healthy work-life balance to excel.
"Discuss the importance of flexible work arrangements," Deepthi emphasises.?
As a woman leader, you can play a crucial role in promoting work-life balance within your organisation. A balanced approach not only enhances productivity but also boosts morale and reduces burnout.
Implementing policies that support flexible working hours and remote work options can make a significant difference. Also, encourage your team to set boundaries between work and personal life.?
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7. Recognising and Rewarding Achievements
In sports, recognition fuels athletes' drive to excel. Acknowledgment of achievements is a powerful motivator, both in sports and in business.
As a woman leader, you can create a culture of recognition within your organisation. Public acknowledgment and tangible rewards for achievements not only motivate individuals but also set a standard of excellence. Also, regularly celebrating milestones and successes fosters a positive and high-performing work environment.
Encourage a system where achievements, both big and small, are highlighted. This could be through awards, shout-outs in meetings or company-wide announcements.?
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8. Driving Concepts of Continuous Learning
In the world of sports, continuous learning is crucial. Athletes constantly seek to refine their techniques, learn new strategies and stay ahead of the competition. This relentless pursuit of improvement is what sets champions apart.
This principle is equally vital for female executives striving for excellence.
As a woman leader, you can foster a culture of continuous learning within your organisation and support initiatives that allow female executives to explore new areas of expertise and expand their horizons. Encourage sharing of new knowledge and skills within the team, especially among the team's women.?
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9. Leading by Example
Leaders in sports set the tone for their teams. Coaches often lead by example, demonstrating techniques and strategies.? The same applies to business. Just as athletes look to their coaches for guidance and inspiration, your team looks to you.
As a woman leader, your actions speak louder than words. Exhibit the qualities you wish to see in your female executives. Face challenges head-on, celebrate diversity, and continually seek improvement. When you model these behaviours, you inspire your team to do the same.
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10. Modeling Grit and Perseverance
In sports, athletes often have to push through physical and mental barriers to achieve greatness. They train rigorously, usually facing countless obstacles, but their unwavering determination drives them to success.
"It's much more than playing and enjoying the sport, but just proving that I got this opportunity and let me make the most of it.”?
Similarly, female executives must overcome professional challenges with tenacity and a positive mindset. As a woman leader, you have the power to instil these values in your female executives.?
Providing support and resources can help them navigate challenges and emerge stronger.?
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Deepthi’s story is a well-rounded playbook for leaders to empower female executives on their teams. It illustrates that just like a coach guides athletes, leaders can cultivate a winning environment where women can thrive.
The message is clear: resilience, inclusivity, continuous learning and a supportive culture are the keys to unlocking the full potential of female executives. By fostering these elements, leaders can create a team where every woman feels empowered to take risks, overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Are you ready to implement the strategies outlined in this article? By becoming a coach for your female executives, you'll not only empower them but also elevate your entire organisation.?
Remember, when women leaders win, everyone wins.
At Rewrite The Rules, we are all about enabling and supporting female executives at different levels to realise their dreams against all odds. Every edition of our newsletter is geared to bolster your journey with proven contemporary strategies.
I Help Busy Leaders Improve Their Influence, Authority, and Presence Through 1:1 Coaching | ?? 25-Year Veteran | ?? Top Emotional Intelligence Voice | Leadership Coach
4 个月This addresses a lot of the framework I see for emerging leadership programs: ? Personal Development ? Core Leadership Skills ? Collaborative and Organizational Skills ? Practical Application and Support (Mentoring, etc) Great to see Ritu
Executive Coach & Educator to Global Technology Leaders & Teams | Emotionally Intelligent Leadership | Six Seconds India Preferred Partner
4 个月Such a great piece Ritu G. Mehrish, CSP