Female Leadership in a Male-Dominated Environment
Brianna Bao discusses what it's like to be a leader in a world dominated by males
Despite improvements across many industries, the women’s leadership gap is still a tricky chasm to navigate. Research conducted from 2016–2018 reports that, while more women than men are pursuing higher education in the U.K., women still make up less than half of students in engineering and technology, computer science, and business and administrative studies. When it comes to the workforce, more than two-thirds of women ages 16–64 are actively employed, compared to 80.3% of men in the same age range. At the same time, in 2018, women made up less than a quarter of CEOs and other senior officials. In my own experience as a woman in the male-dominated world of business, I’ve found it very challenging to be heard. These are some of the tactics I’ve gathered to help me promote myself, my voice, and my abilities to lead.
Stand Up For Yourself
First and foremost, in the hectic world of business, you need to take care of yourself. That doesn’t just mean striking a good professional-life versus personal-life balance; it also means not being the “yes” woman. As employees, particularly women, struggle to prove themselves, they often bite off more than they can chew. It’s easy to say “yes” to every project and task thrown your way, but if you’re approaching overwhelmed (or already there), it’s far better to turn something down or ask for help than to burden yourself with another load. On the other hand, when you have the time and resources to take on new projects and tasks, speak up to request the ones that you really want. Don’t let yourself be trampled—take initiative and remain honest!
Recognize Your Supporters
For many women in the company or organization, your role as a female leader will be inspirational. You’ll become a role model, and despite the pressure that comes hand-in-hand with such a position, it’s something that will help push you forward. That’s why it’s so important to find those who support you and the position you hold—they’ll offer that much-needed positivity to keep you going when unique challenges arise. As Firmatek President Lauren Elmore wrote in Forbes:
“There are always men in male-dominated industries who appreciate a female leader and believe in the company that you are building. Find those champions and partner with them as often as you can. They will help you gain credibility and build your business.”
Respect All Challenges
No professional can be perfect 24/7—it’s the sad truth that, more often than not, we want to ignore. When those shortcomings and challenges come your way in the form of difficult clients, a touch critique, or negative feedback during a performance review, don’t let yourself spiral. Understand that these difficulties are intended to help you improve. They’re life’s little roadblocks, and it’s your job to find a way around them and grow. There are some lessons that can only be learned if a mistake is made; acknowledge those mistakes, but don’t focus on those. Instead, focus on what you’ve learned, and how you’ll adapt in the future.
This article was originally published on briannabao.co.uk.