Why the Old Leadership Playbook Holds Women Back
- Dr. Val Margarit ❤️
- Aug 26
- 3 min read
The discussion on leadership has never been more urgent. While various leadership frameworks exist, many do not fully address the specific needs of women leaders. Traditional leadership strategies often miss the unique hurdles and strengths that women bring. In this post, we’ll uncover these weaknesses in the conventional playbook and explore how you can rewrite the rules for a more inclusive and effective leadership style.
Understanding the Leadership Playbook
Traditionally, leadership frameworks are crafted based on traits that have historically defined successful leaders, often in a male-centered context. These frameworks tend to emphasize assertiveness, competitiveness, and decisiveness. While these traits can be beneficial, they marginalize different leadership approaches like collaboration and empathy, which many women naturally exhibit. Sadly, as many women report feeling pressured to adopt a more aggressive leadership style to fit in, creating a disconnect between their authentic selves and professional demands.
The Unique Challenges Women Face
Women leaders face specific challenges that can hinder their success. Consider these common barriers:
Stereotypes and Bias: Women often encounter stereotypes that undermine their authority. For instance, studies show that assertive women are labeled "bossy" 50% more than their male counterparts, while traits like kindness may be perceived as a weakness.
Work-Life Balance: The expectation for women to manage both personal and professional responsibilities can lead to significant stress. Many women cite work-life conflict as a top challenge, often resulting in burnout and stalled career growth.
Networking Barriers: Women frequently have less access to influential networks. Research indicates that only about 25% of women receive mentorship from senior leaders, which limits their opportunities for sponsorship and career advancement.
Imposter Syndrome: Many accomplished women struggle with feelings of inadequacy. Studies reveal that nearly 75% of women experience imposter syndrome at some point, which may inhibit their willingness to pursue leadership roles.
Rewriting the Rules of Leadership
To foster a more inclusive leadership environment, it is crucial to rewrite the rules of the playbook. Here are actionable strategies to develop a leadership style that aligns with your true self:
Embrace Your Unique Leadership Style
Your leadership style should reflect your authentic self. Emphasize traits such as empathy and collaboration, which can create a more inclusive and productive workplace. Notably, teams led by empathetic leaders report a 35% increase in overall satisfaction and performance.
Build a Supportive Network
Form meaningful relationships with mentors and allies who understand the unique challenges you face. For instance, consider joining women-focused professional organizations that facilitate networking and provide resources. This support can guide you through your career and open doors.
Challenge Stereotypes
Take an active role in confronting biases in your workplace. Speak out against prejudiced assumptions and promote diversity. This not only advances your career but also creates a path for future women leaders. For example, implementing training programs that address gender biases can lead to a 20% increase in the number of women in leadership positions.
Prioritize Work-Life Integration
Rather than aiming for perfect work-life balance, focus on integrating your personal and professional goals. Setting clear boundaries allows you to maintain your well-being while pursuing career aspirations. Studies show that companies promoting work-life integration see a 33% drop in employee turnover rates.
Cultivate Confidence
Boost your confidence by recognizing and celebrating your achievements, regardless of their size. Surround yourself with supportive peers and engage in self-reflection to appreciate your unique strengths and contributions. Sign up for challeneges that take you out of comfort zone and into your genius zone. Journal every day and keep track of your achivements. This reinforcement can empower you to take on new leadership challenges.
The Power of Authentic Leadership
Authentic leadership means staying true to yourself while leading with integrity. When you embrace your unique experiences, you motivate others to do the same. Diverse leadership fosters environments where varied perspectives are appreciated. This leads to innovative solutions and stronger teams. That's why I developed two frameworks to help women unlock their limitless power, and lead with confidence, power and presence.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is vital to effective leadership. Many women naturally excel in EI, enabling deeper connections with their teams. By harnessing your emotional intelligence, you can cultivate trust and enhance collaboration within your organization.
Embracing Your Leadership Journey
The traditional leadership playbook may not serve women leaders well. However, this does not mean you cannot thrive. By acknowledging unique challenges and rewriting leadership rules, you can create a genuine, inclusive, and effective leadership style. Celebrate your strengths, cultivate a robust support network, and challenge outdated norms.
As you embark on your leadership journey, remember that you have the power to redefine leadership. By doing so, you not only uplift yourself but also create opportunities for future generations of women leaders.
Start your power shift here.
