Skills to Help Female Leaders

Many of these might seem obvious but it takes real practice to bring these skills to the workplace every day.

According to a recent study,female leadership is on the rise (and your best way to the top seems to be through operational-focused roles and experience so make that a critical part of your career path). Organizations are realizing that being more inclusive of women, on every level, is simply good business."

So, once you get there, or even better, as you hone your skills, what are some of the qualities you need to advance or be a more effective leader? 

Actively Listen: We all like to talk, but the best leaders are the ones who listen. That doesn’t mean you can never voice your opinion, but if you’re able to genuinely understand the perspectives of others, you’ll be able to work with your team more effectively. And that means hearing what people aren't saying, as well as what they are. 

Maintain An Inner Calm: If you have an inner calm and peace about who you are and what you are capable of, you are able to lead without your ego taking over.Don't let emotions get in the way of decision making. Walk-away from your emotions and think twice before you say or write to someone

Set Regular Meetings & Stick To Them: By meeting with your entire team no less than weekly, you have the opportunity to speak openly and freely about what you each would like to work on, as well as discuss bigger topics when they arise, including what’s going on within the organization and how to continue moving forward. Even if you have a small team, adopt this habit.

Not Being Afraid To Change Course When Warranted: Innovative leaders are not afraid to change course when warranted. Being flexible and open to new ideas and course correction can lead a team to reflect, assess, and adjust its approach to a project.

Have confidence, take risks, and foster relationships. It’s important to have confidence in your ability, so speak up when you have an idea and make your voice heard. Volunteer for stretch assignments and don’t shy away from tough projects. Lastly, fostering and maintaining relationships is key in any business.