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Debra Lalla | Senior Academic | Regent Business School | mail me |

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The role of women in global leadership has become increasingly significant. Women bring unique perspectives and qualities that are not only transforming businesses but also shaping the future of industries and societies at large.

Despite the considerable progress made in recent years, female leaders continue to navigate a complex landscape filled with challenges. Yet, their resilience, vision, and impact are undeniable, and their contributions are setting new standards for leadership worldwide.

Women have clearly taken the forefront in the evolving scenario of global leadership, bringing distinct qualities that drive significant transformation. Despite the progress made, female leaders continue to face numerous challenges on their journey to the top. These obstacles, while daunting, highlight the resilience, vision, and impact of women leaders worldwide.

Persistent challenges in the workplace

As Amy Novotney pointed out in an article titled “Woman leaders make work better”, women leaders still encounter countless difficulties in the workplace. These challenges range from gender biases and stereotypes to struggles with work-life integration.

Limited representation at the highest levels of leadership only exacerbates these issues, making the glass ceiling even harder to break through.

Trailblazers in global leadership

Many books chronicle the journeys of women who have ascended to positions of global leadership. Notable examples include Women as Global Leaders, which highlights influential figures such as Professor Wangari Maathai, Margaret Thatcher, Golda Meir, and Malala Yousafzai.

Each of these women has left a distinctly significant mark on the world. As Golda Meir once said, “Many top leadership teams of global organisations still do not realise the value of having women in key positions.” This statement remains relevant today, reflecting the long-standing battle for acceptance and recognition that women face in leadership roles.

The power of empathy and emotional intelligence

Empathy and emotional intelligence are two of the most critical traits that female leaders often possess.

Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead explores the power of empathy as a core component of effective leadership. Leaders who can emotionally connect with others are better able to generate trust and build cohesive teams.

Female leaders excel in emotional intelligence, using it to foster strong, collaborative environments where mutual respect and understanding thrive.

Inclusiveness and collaboration: hallmarks of female leadership

Collaboration and inclusiveness are other key characteristics of female leadership. In The Moment of Lift, Melinda French Gates emphasises how these traits are essential for creating environments where diverse voices are heard, and inclusive decision-making processes are the norm.

Female leaders often go the extra mile to ensure that a wide range of perspectives is considered, leading to more innovative and viable solutions.

Resilience and adaptability: keys to success

Resilience and adaptability are also defining characteristics of female leadership. In How Women Rise, Marshall Goldsmith and Sally Helgesen examine the unique challenges women face in their careers and how they emerge stronger by adapting to change.

Female leaders, with their exceptional resilience and adaptability, are particularly effective in navigating the fast-paced and often turbulent business world.

Visionary and transformational leadership

Female leaders also excel in visionary and transformational leadership. Invisible Women by Caroline Criado-Perez highlights how women bring a visionary dimension to leadership that challenges the status quo and drives transformation.

Studies consistently show that organisations benefit from having women in leadership roles, as they tend to inspire and align teams with the organisation’s mission. A 2022 study led by social psychologist Joshi found that female leaders were perceived as fairer in their treatment of employees, which translated into higher organisational trust.

The continuing quest for gender balance

Despite progress, the advancement of women into leadership roles is far from equal. An analysis led by emerita professor of psychology, Alice Eagly in 2020 found that women are now perceived as equally or more competent than men, expected to exhibit compassion, sensitivity, ambition, aggression, intelligence, and creativity. However, the proportional advancement of men and women into leadership across industries remains imbalanced.

The late American clinical psychologist Jean Lau Chin EdD, renowned for her work on diversity in leadership, once said, “Getting a seat at the table is not enough. It’s time for women and diverse leaders to be at the head of the table in leadership roles if we’re going to have a future moving forward together.” This statement alone should be taken on board in every industry in every country.

Creating an inclusive organisational culture

Businesses play a crucial role in facilitating the advancement of women into leadership positions. This involves fostering an inclusive culture that values varied perspectives and actively supports the growth of female leaders.

Eliminating unconscious biases is also essential to prevent them from derailing women’s leadership journeys. By nurturing and empowering female leaders, companies can harness the unique qualities women bring to leadership.

The importance of lifelong learning

I encourage women to consider the profound impact that further education and the application of these principles can have on both personal growth and professional contributions.

Lifelong learning is not merely a pathway to personal advancement; it is a responsibility to remain relevant and effective in an ever-evolving world. By embracing continued education, such as pursuing an MBA, and applying these leadership principles, we as women position ourselves to adapt to change and drive progress.

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Related FAQs: Women as global leaders

Q: What unique qualities do women leaders bring to global leadership roles?

A: Women leaders often bring empathy, collaboration and effective communication skills to their roles. These qualities enable them to create inclusive environments that encourage participation and leadership from diverse groups, ultimately leading to better decision-making and innovation.

Q: How does women’s participation in leadership roles contribute to gender equality?

A: Increased representation of women in leadership helps to challenge traditional gender roles and stereotypes, promoting gender equality. When women hold positions of power, they can advocate for policies that support women’s rights and empower women and girls, thereby accelerating progress toward gender parity.

Q: What is the current state of women in leadership according to the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report?

A: The 2023 Global Gender Gap Report indicates that while there has been progress in women’s representation, significant gaps remain, particularly in senior leadership positions. Women continue to be underrepresented in political participation and in roles such as CEOs and ministers, emphasising the need for continued activism and support for women’s empowerment.

Q: How can organisations support women leaders in the workplace?

A: Organisations can support women leaders by creating mentorship programs, offering leadership training, and implementing policies that promote work-life balance. Additionally, fostering an inclusive culture that values diverse leadership styles can help women thrive and ignite their potential as effective leaders.

Q: What role do women leaders play in shaping a better future for society?

A: Women leaders play a crucial role in shaping a better future by driving initiatives that promote social and economic equity. Their leadership can lead to more comprehensive policies that address the needs of women and girls, ultimately resulting in stronger communities and a more equitable society.

Q: How does political participation of women impact local communities?

A: Political participation of women positively impacts local communities by ensuring that diverse perspectives are represented in decision-making processes. Women in local leadership roles can address issues specific to their communities, fostering development and empowerment that benefits all members of society.

Q: What challenges do women of colour face in achieving leadership positions?

A: Women of colour often face compounded challenges, including systemic racism and gender bias, which can hinder their access to leadership opportunities. Addressing these barriers requires targeted initiatives to promote the representation of women of colour in positions of power and to create supportive environments that encourage their advancement.

Q: Why is it important to have global women leaders in today’s world?

A: Global women leaders are essential in today’s world as they bring diverse perspectives and experiences that are critical in addressing complex global challenges. Their leadership fosters collaboration across borders and drives initiatives that promote sustainable development and gender equality.

Q: How can women ignite change within their communities?

A: Women can ignite change within their communities by actively participating in local governance, advocating for policies that support women’s rights and mentoring the next generation of female leaders. By taking on leadership roles and being visible in their activism, they can inspire others and drive collective action for empowerment.

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