With each passing year, the percentage of women in positions of leadership in business, higher education, and government rises – sometimes dramatically, sometimes incrementally.
Every victory, however, promises more victories, as young girls see opportunities that previous generations did not.
Each of us stands on the shoulders of all the women who have gone before us in our chosen fields and blazed a trail. Others have put in the effort, and we must as well. Throughout my career, I learned many new leadership skills and was given numerous opportunities to lead.
However, businesses and other organizations can do a lot more to assist women in realizing their leadership potential. And the month of March, which is Women’s History Month, is a great place to start.
Here are some ideas for how organizations can improve women’s leadership programs:
Mentors or a support system should be made available
A mentor can certainly help and advise emerging leaders in an organization, which is beneficial in and of itself. However, having someone to guide you goes beyond that. It’s critical for women to have someone on their side as they develop their leadership skills.
I worked for a Navy department head, Commander Dave Kennedy, and a Marine Corps Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. Bob Price, who did that for her when I was an instructor at Navy Test Pilot School. Both of these leaders backed my efforts and, more broadly, aided the expansion of women’s roles in military aviation.
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Allow them to mature
People frequently believe that they must have everything figured out before embarking on a new path or pursuing a new opportunity. Organizations, on the other hand, can help women develop as leaders by removing this constraint.
Women must understand that as they advance in their careers, they must let go of the notion that they must know everything. They should also realize that as their leadership responsibilities expand and become more complex, they should become more at ease with being a generalist. One way to advance in leadership is to rely on your employees as specialists and guide them in the direction you desire.
Encourage instead of discouraging
It’s easy to point out a person’s difficulties and express doubts about their ability to overcome them. Avoid succumbing to the temptation. In the Navy, I recall a career manager telling me that my record wasn’t good enough to get me into Test Pilot School. Fortunately, I didn’t let him talk me out of it. I had grown accustomed to the naysayers by that point in my career and was unfazed.
However, when she later became a career manager herself, it influenced my approach. She promised herself that she would never discourage anyone she worked with, but only encourage them.
Recognize that female leaders can serve as role models for others in the company
Because I was the only woman in her Naval Flight Officer class, I became a role model almost by default in flight school. As part of my leadership role, I was given the opportunity to lead by example. The same opportunity and privilege are available to other women who take on leadership roles. Role models who inspire others are beneficial to any organization.
To get to the top, anyone must put in a lot of effort, endurance, and perseverance. You must be prepared to stick it out for the long haul. However, whenever we move forward in our lives, we generate the lift that propels us to greater heights.
Learn more from business and read 20 Signs of Leadership Excellence.
