In recent decades, there has been a need for greater gender equality while focusing on the need to lose the gender wage gap. Although tremendous strides have been made regarding this aspect, there still needs to be more women in leadership roles.
If you breeze through some reports, it is clearly stated that 15% of CEOs are women. Moreover, women in leadership roles can positively affect the company and give more favorable outcomes than companies with a less female workforce.
This is why the need for women has become more critical than ever. In order to have more female staff, organizations must create better policies & opportunities for women. At the same time, women also need to step forward and overcome the habits/ behavioral patterns holding them back.
With that being said, let’s delve deep into the world of women in the organization, outlining the significance of their presence and providing core reasons why companies must no longer overlook the prospect of hiring more women in leadership roles.
Why Women Leaders Matter?
Women are integral to the benefit of the organization. When women turn into leaders, they provide a different & unique set of skills along with imaginative perspectives. In addition, female leaders bring cultural and structural differences & perspectives to the table, which drive effective solutions to organizational issues.
Furthermore, female leaders’ creative standpoint and unique sense of awareness are unmatched.
As a result, it allows them to study & uncover details that might go unnoticed by others. This is why it is significant to have women in leadership roles.
Critical Obstacles For Women In Leadership Roles
As discussed earlier, the working landscape for both men and women is changing & the business world is no longer just a man’s game. However, competing in this challenging environment is not easy.
From experienced women leaders who have struggled hard to make their way to young talent looking to make some profound impact, women still face numerous challenges. Here are a few of them!
- Men In Majority
The first and obvious challenge is that most people in the organization are men. However, this can create an opportunity for women to stand out & make a long-lasting impression from the start.
- Balancing Work & Family
In the competitive working world, women not only deal with the stress & anxiety of a full-time job but are often also responsible for raising families. At times, it might seem impossible to juggle work and personal life. But the pandemic has taught us the importance of creating a healthy work-life balance to have a successful career & fulfilling life!
- Low Expectations
Unfortunately, a lot of women might set lower expectations for themselves. But on the bright side, we can get past it. The trick is not to see in poor light but to transform your vision and realize that nothing is impossible. Then, you can easily exceed your expectations and showcase your skills in the workplace.
- Women Are Emotional
A lot of people think that women are more emotional and less decisive as compared to men. Yet women bring more diverse physical, emotional, and mental experiences to everyday conversations! Using this to our advantage can help us both personally and professionally!
Why Do We Need More Women In Leadership Roles?
In today’s world, women may not always realize their potential, but once unleashed, they have a direct route to success! When one hires women in leadership roles, their capabilities remain unmatched.
Below are the top reasons why we need women in leadership roles. Take a look!
- Painting The Future With Bright Colors
It can be intimidating for women who have not yet experienced a leadership position because of the stigmas attached to it. As a result, this could push away the younger generation from striving to break the barriers.
In 2019, the number of women in senior management globally expanded to 29%. In addition, this percentage grew in 2021 by 3%.
While this can be considered a positive news, women entering the workforce must take inspiration from other women who are excellent in their leadership roles.
This encouragement and inspiration can drive all aspiring young women leaders to increase the global percentage and set new records.
- Having Amazing Transformational Ideas
Many studies have confirmed that female leaders are more flexible and transformational as compared to male leaders. Moreover, women showcase more contingent reward behavior than men.
Interestingly, the transformational leadership style has been shown to build personal and social identification amongst members and also fulfill the goals set by the organizations. Thus, this demonstrates a positive influence on organizational success and its employees.
- Enhanced Teamwork
Undoubtedly, we have all seen women demonstrating enthusiasm, passion, and abilities to take command in tense situations.
Women are known for making bold and wise decisions, and as leaders, too, they will do the same! In addition, women in leadership roles make the environment less authoritative & more cooperative, bringing a family-like feel to the team. As a result, this boosts teamwork and helps implement a new culture within the company!
- Improved Business-Wide Communication
Communication is a woman’s critical skill. Female leaders utilize this power to enhance meaningful conversations with employees, colleagues, and partners, thus encouraging open communication that offers a sense of clarity.
- Better Financial Outcome
Within a diverse workplace culture, creative ideas are bound to flow automatically. This helps fuel growth & create more sustainability within the company. Moreover, diversity in the workplace must prioritize both men and women throughout the organization.
So, workplace gender diversity helps increase productivity and creativity, improve performance and staff retention, and boost collaboration among the team and clients.
- New Outlook & Fresh Perspectives
We have previously outlined the need to construct a diverse workforce. However, with this comes a new outlook and a fresh perspective contributing to much-needed innovation within the organization.
Women in leadership roles bring skills, new perspectives, & innovative/ creative ideas to the table. As a result, it helps create innovative perspectives that lead to better decision-making & problem-solving.
- Better Mentorship
The power of good role models cannot be overlooked when it comes to inspiring younger generations. Regardless of a person’s gender, everyone needs someone who will guide and motivate them to advance in their careers.
Women can utilize their talents in this area because when it comes to coaching and mentoring, they are better than men!
Thus, they can take up this opportunity and begin empowering the young, bright minds of future generations.
- Wearing Many Hats
In a woman’s life, wearing many hats with their roles is typical. For instance, you can find them balancing careers, doing household chores, taking up the mantle of parental guidance, and much more.
These experiences help women leaders to rapidly adapt to new situations & concentrate on finding logical solutions to real-life work issues.
Ignite Your Impact!
Women leaders are a requirement of this 21st century. There have been many advancements taking place for women, but there is still time until women achieve economic parity on a global scale.
Organizations need to empower women to be more productive & show their latent potential, thereby increasing workplace diversity.
As discussed, women in leadership roles can easily tackle challenges and focus on the following:
- Growth mindset
- Confidence
- Networking
So, if you are already in a leadership role or aspire to elevate your career, then don’t step back! You have a lot more potential than you can imagine. No matter the gender wage gap, men being in the majority, or any other reason, just put your best foot forward and showcase what you are truly capable of! After all, who runs the world?
