Lead Like A Girl

Today is International Women’s Day, yet somehow this is the first year I’ve heard of it. I know when national Grandparents Day is or even Doughnut Day, but not International Women’s Day. I think this fact says a lot about the lack of awareness we all have for women’s contributions in the world.

The importance of this day got me thinking about women in leadership and what it means to "lead like a girl." To me it means we have a responsibility as women leaders to make an impact in our organizations and to inspire younger women to become leaders. Last year the powerful Always #LikeAGirl campaign was launched to help address the negative connotations associated with being a girl and help young women combat the loss of confidence they experience, or inadequacy they feel simply because they are girls. If you have not seen it, it is well worth the viewing time.

This idea of inadequacy comes up frequently in the workplace, especially for many women in fields of science, technology, and finance, and even more so as we rise in the ranks from managers to executives. The number of women in executive positions is extremely low. So low in fact, that according to a New York Times post in 2015, there are more CEOs named John than women CEOs in the entire S.&P. 1500 companies. Some feel the lack of diversity in leadership is a women’s issue. However, studies show that female-lead organizations out-perform male-lead organizations. It’s time to recognize this as a business issue, not a women’s issue.

Why are there fewer women in leadership? Many believe women may lack certain skills needed to lead. In the article #LeadLikeAGirl: How Can Women Leaders Ignite Impact, author Tacy Byham, CEO of Development Dimensions International reminds us that this is not a skills issue, it’s a confidence issue.

So, in honor of International Women’s Day, let’s help young women entering the business world – or those returning to it – to overcome this unnecessary obstacle. Here are a few pieces of sage advice from some of the women I know and admire:

Ruth P. Stevens, Consultant, Author and Go-To Person On B2B Marketing – “Become deeply knowledgeable about one thing, a subject that really interests you, and, better yet, is not widely covered by others.  You want to become known as the go-to person on that subject. This will make you more valuable to your company, and build your personal brand.”

Genevieve Piturro, Founder and Executive Director, Pajama Program - "If you feel like something's missing in your life then it probably is. Take the time to find out what it is and do something about it."

Susan Finch, Principal, Susan Finch Solutions – “Check your motives. Why are you doing, or not doing something? What is at the root of it? Knowing this can save you a lot of pain and frustration and  push you ahead.”

Carla Johnson, Author and Principal, Type A Communications – “The advice that has been the most important to me came from my first and most important mentor I've had, and that's my mother. She told me to take time to be still. As women we're caught up in a lot of things, and many times those things are other people's expectations of us. When we take time to be still, we remember what's most important to us and that's the only way to stay true to ourselves. “

Katie Martell, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Cintell – “A major component to #LeadLikeAGirl requires being fearless enough to toot your own horn. Nobody will do it for you. Consistently be able to articulate your value to the business - by the time someone's asking for it, they're questioning it. Know the stats, know your value, know where your efforts are accelerating the greater vision of the organization and always be able to measure and demonstrate your impact. Conversations about promotions and raises go a lot smoother when this information is readily available and public knowledge. Make management aware of why you are amazing and why you deserve more, because the truth is - you're probably paid 78% as much as your male counterparts, anyway.”

Kathy Button Bell, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Emerson – “Recover quickly. Get your act back together ASAP so you can start making excellent decisions again.”

Ann Handley, Author and Chief Content Officer, MarketingProfs –“It comes from my driving teacher, a grump of a guy named Henry. One day, when I was 16 and newly behind the wheel of the driving school’s Subaru wagon, Henry had directed me to a busy intersection. He said I should signal and turn left. So I signaled and I waited for my turn... No one would let me in…Finally Henry spoke: “Poke your nose out,” he groused. “No one’s going to invite you.”

And, weirdly, Henry’s advice helped me navigate all that in unexpected ways. Poke your nose out. Raise your hand. Join. Take a seat. Take your turn. Try. Launch. Tell your own story. Advocate for yourself: Because NO ONE is going to invite you!”

Beverly Fells-Bohanon, Vice President, GM Financial– “Don’t underestimate the power of self-awareness. It’s the foundation for developing a meaningful professional brand. When you’re at the office, everything you do, say, not do, or not say is the sum of your ‘professional brand’.”

Tacy Byham, Ph. D., Author and CEO, DDI International – “While everyone needs confidence, women sometimes need a different voice in their head, helping them to declare themselves.”

Jill Konrath, Author, Speaker and Sales Acceleration Strategist – “Every woman's voice makes a difference. The world needs us to bring our perspectives, ideas and values to the forefront.”

As leaders, we need to teach and demonstrate confidence in all we do. Remember to eliminate words or actions that undermine confidence, authority or our ability in all we do and seek to make a difference. Let’s proudly #LeadLikeAGirl and teach our daughters, friends, colleagues and mothers to do the same. Lack of women in leadership is not a women’s issue, it’s a business issue. Confidence is the only real “skill” we lack, but we can achieve that, and then some.

*Images sourced: DDIWorld - Global Leadership Forecast 2014|2015 and
Women's Leadership Council