Since August is Women’s Equality Month (Aug 26th), we dedicate this blog to the powerful women and those in their company.
There is no shortage of books advising women to Lean In (a great book by the way) and take control of their destinies. I truly believe women get it! We know what we want and what it takes to get it.
Women are ready to take the reins and see their dreams through. The problem is not with them, it is external with those surrounding them but not supporting them or believing in them. Some go as far as putting barriers (literally or figuratively) preventing them from progressing.
We seek to break these barriers by offering tips to help leaders become true equality allies and empower potential no matter the gender.
Tip #1 Listen Intentionally
There is wisdom in the saying “seek to understand before being understood” (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People). Hearing someone and listening to them are two different things. True listening is a skill that requires self-control, patience, empathy and a desire to understand.
When a female colleague, a friend or family member approaches you with a concern or story to tell, practice true listening by using: your ears, your eyes and your entire body to listen to what she has to say.
Your ears hear the words she chooses to convey her message. Your eyes observe what she is doing while conversing; and your own body language creates a comfortable space for her to freely express herself.
Control your temptation to interrupt. Resist the urge to tell her what she needs to do, especially when unwarranted. Do not shift the conversation to your own experiences.
Tip #2 Dismiss Assumptions & Stereotyping
Assumptions can be blinding. That is not to say we should not make assumptions at all, but rather, we need to validate our assumptions along the way and be flexible enough to correct our positions accordingly.
For instance, do not automatically assume a newly married female Sales Rep. will not welcome a promotion just because she might want to start a family! (a true story). If she is qualified and deserves the promotion, offer it to her and allow her to make her own decision as to accept or decline the offer.
Stereotyping on the other hand is very dangerous. It carries negative implications to the person stereotyping and can be potentially harmful to the person being stereotyped.
Humans are complicated creatures, just because we share the same gender, race or culture does not automatically mean our experiences and desires are the same. Treat every person as their own rightful individual.
Tip #3 Recognize the Source of Ideas
Unfortunately, some women feel “not seen” in their workplace. They are not encouraged to share their voice. Some have their ideas publicly hijacked right in front of their eyes! Unfortunately, this happens quite often and to many women.
Great leaders do not only encourage diverse ideas, but they also seek them out and recognize the source for the idea. They encourage, complement and support the originator to help them see through their ideas.
Tip #4 Pave the Way
Potential is potential. When we see someone who can do amazing things and has potential to be great, we need to pave the way for them. Man and woman alike. Since its August, and in support of Women Equality month, we urge leaders to pave the way especially for women.
Unfortunately, toxic and hostile work environments have caused some women to subdue their skills and capabilities. For this reason, leaders must keep an open eye for high potential women in the organization and pave the way for them to succeed.
We hope you find the four tips above useful. Just remember, we need men and women working side by side to elevate one another. We are in this together, so let's unite to make the world a better place for us all.
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