The Real Power of Women in Leadership
Here’s a crazy stat for you - companies that have leadership of at least 30% female have net profit margins of up to 6 percentage points higher than companies with no women in the top ranks. While these stats prove that gender diversity has a positive impact on profits and business, many businesses are still struggling to make these changes. Let’s take a look at some ways we can work together to bridge this gap.
Encourage exploration. Whether it be at the beginning of someone’s career or in the early stages of life, encourage girls to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, money and math. Just look at the recent movie Hidden Figures, which tells the story of a team of African-American women mathematicians, who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the US space program. Girls need to see that there are no limits to what is possible when you follow your passion.
Find a mentor. With 67% of women rating mentorship as highly important in helping to advance and grow their careers, we have an opportunity to give back through mentoring someone else. Leadership qualities are not gender exclusive. Women want hardworking, dedicated, driven, loyal, and caring people to be mentors. We can all serve in this role by transferring these skills to the next generation. When we celebrate each other's differences, that is when we empower each other.
Be a champion. Like Malala Yousafzai said, "I raise up my voice- not so I can shout but so that those without a voice can be heard...we cannot succeed when half of us are held back." Be on the edge of the change you want to see. Listen to your colleagues, listen to your peers, and listen other leaders in your business. Really hear what is going on, so that you can be a champion for the people who need to be heard. Standing for another’s success takes courage and bravery but will result an abundance of greatness for all.
The real power of women in leadership is manifold. When we help other women, we help other men, we help our community, and we help our businesses.
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” -- Dolly Parton, singer-songwriter
