The discussion of Female Leadership in The Workplace positions occupied by women in workplaces has experienced a radical turn in recent years. We are no longer in arguments whether women can lead; we have realized that we must tap into the great pool of women leaders. As Female Executive Search, we know their importance in inducing changes, teamwork, and general performance within the organization.
The Benefits of Female Leadership in The Workplace
Every deep study gives emphasis in the advancement of women in leadership:
- High quality of decision making: Although there has been widespread bias that women leaders make poorer decisions than their male counterparts, research suggests otherwise. Female leaders appear to have a better collaborative style of management and as such there is more time spent in open discussions and listening to different ideas. Thus decisions made are more likely to be holistic.
- Improved organizational culture: Feminine leaders mostly help in the creation of a safe and encouraging work environment within the constructs of the organization. This increases the rate of employees’ resilience to changes, minimizes rates of exit and consequently higher productivity levels of staff.
- Improved financial performance: It has been noted when there are more women in senior management positions, business organizations tend to perform in terms of profit margin and return on investment than before.
Breaking Down Barriers
However, despite facts and explanations given, very littlehas been done to ensuring that there is gender balance, or even equal opportunities in the neadership positions. Below are some of the major reasons as to why women are still unable to leadership positions.
- Unconscious bias: Leadership styles can often place women at a disadvantage due to their stereotype roles. Assertiveness and decisiveness, features attributed to male leaders positively, can be derided when practiced by females.
- Lack of mentorship and sponsorship: Women usually do suffer more omissions to their adequate high level sponsorship as well as mentorship for their ascendance.
- The “broken rung” phenomenon: The trade-off becomes very appreciable at higher levels thus creating challenges for women in the c suite
Empowering Women to Lead
So what remedial action can be taken to reduce this gap and effectively utilize the full potential of female leadership in the workplace? Below are some practical measures that can be implemented:
- Implement unconscious bias training : Sensitizing leadership teams on unconscious bias will come in handy in leveling the playing field to suitability merit promotions.
- Create mentorship and sponsorship programs : Corporations can finance such systems where gifted women can be connected with the established leaders who will mentor and promote them.
- Focus on flexible work arrangements: Allowing women to work in flexible arrangements will greatly aid in defusing this as it is very vital for their career development.
Conclusion
It is safe to say that business will go essentially in the right direction with time, especially with women stepping to leadership positions. As we dismantle the barriers and improve the structures in organizations, we can utilize the resources like Female Leadership in The Workplace and contribute better success and justice for all. Female Executive Search is proud to contribute to resolving this issue. We partner with companies to source, recruit and develop top female leaders for strategic roles. Let us join forces in making it possible to have more female leaders than male leaders, rather than the other way around.