WAYS WOMEN LEAD WELL

The Essence of Women's Leadership “If women are such great leaders, why are there still fewer female leaders across most levels and in most fields?” Great question. However, the underrepresentation of women in leadership can be attributed to a complex interplay of various factors, some deeply rooted in historical, cultural, and structural elements. Women are strong leaders, and the debate about women’s performance in leadership has catalyzed research that reinforces women's effective contributions as leaders. Women’s (often) challenging journey to the top allows them to develop themselves remarkably, leaving little room for anyone to challenge the need for more women in leadership. Having worked and engaged with numerous accomplished women leaders throughout my career, I have actively observed and analyzed their behaviors, identifying successful strategies and pitfalls. Implementing some of these lessons in my professional journey has proven effective. The leadership landscape is evolving, and women are emerging as formidable forces. The conversation about women in leadership roles has evolved from a call for gender equality to an exploration of women's unique strengths in leadership. We (women) must remind ourselves and help men to understand that we are LEADERS, we add value, and we have a right to a seat at the table. I read the story of a female leader who was hired by a large tech company. She tells the story of her day-one experience. "In theory, I should have felt like a "star" arriving to make an impact for a major brand. Yet, as I walked down a long hallway to the conference room, all I felt was fear." WHY? "I knew an executive team of seasoned business leaders were waiting for me, all substantially older than me--and all men. And although they had hired me, I wondered repeatedly, on loop like a bad song you can't get out of your head, "Why would they listen to me? Who am I, anyway?"" She continues, "As I approached the door, I took a deep breath and straightened my suit. I walked in, and at that very moment, despite being the only woman in that room, I discovered who I was: A LEADER." She went on to excel in the role of a leader, adding immense value to the organization. I must reiterate that we, women, must continuously remind ourselves of who we are and what we can accomplish as leaders. I have had my own fair share of disparaging conversations about my leadership capacity. Someone once told me, "Your personality is not strong enough to lead this organization." At first, I wanted to curl up and hide or run far away. Then, I reminded myself that I had all the skills and strength needed for the role, and I was not about to let anyone put me down because I appeared quiet and non-aggressive. I braced myself, squared my shoulders, lifted my head, looked him in the eyes, and said (of course with a smile 😊), "I may seem soft, but I am tough, I know my turf, and I am backed by God." He laughed, but I knew he got the message, "Don't mess with a woman in leadership and on a mission!" Data provide a clear window into the state of women in leadership, and it is no longer a secret that women in leadership lead to better outcomes. Women appear to have an advantage over men regarding specific skills and attributes. For this advantage to be effectively harnessed, women (and men) need to clearly articulate "why, when, and where women lead well." This involves recognizing the distinct qualities and approaches contributing to a woman's effectiveness in various contexts. This book is divided into critical parts to provide a deep dive into the various aspects of leadership and the role that women play.  Why Women Lead Well Women are known to do things differently, try new strategies, and break up ruts--all of which are necessary in both good times and trying times. Women demonstrate higher levels of empathy and emotional Intelligence and often adopt a collaborative leadership style. Intelligence and competence, while not an exclusive preserve of women, are vital factors in their leadership, as proven by research. Additionally, by feminine intuition or sixth sense, women possess a unique and inherent ability to discern and understand beyond the obvious. Decades of studies provide evidence of why women make outstanding leaders.  When Women Lead Well While it can be argued that women can lead well at any time, there are times when their unique qualities add the most value. During these periods, organizations and societies benefit from a holistic leadership style that embraces analytical and emotional dimensions, resulting in sustainable success. I have found that the value of my leadership strengths is heightened at certain times. Therefore, clarity about the periods when a woman's leadership is most likely to add value will help hone and own one's place. These include during times of change, when innovation and creativity are required, during periods of crisis and conflict, and when social impact is desired.  Where Women Lead Well There are numerous arenas in which women have been known to lead well and the positive impact of their leadership. The effectiveness of women leaders is not confined to a specific domain as they demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities across diverse settings and industries, showcasing their effectiveness in various environments. However, this book provides examples of how women have thrived in the home, politics, and policymaking, as well as in corporate leadership and entrepreneurship.  What Women Leaders Want Leadership is essential to the success of organizations, societies, and nations, and leaders need to have a clear vision of what they want to achieve. For women to lead to their full potential, there must be an effort to understand and address their unique challenges. These challenges are experienced by women in all walks of life despite progress in gender equality in recent times. What women leaders want includes the need to overcome the barriers by learning new ways to lead better while focusing on what is essential. The Purpose of this Book In the contemporary landscape of leadership literature, there is a growing recognition of the need for diverse and inclusive perspectives. A book focused on women in leadership serves a distinct purpose in addressing gaps, engendering equality, and inspiring a new generation of leaders. This book, therefore, creates empowering narratives that will encourage women to embrace leadership fully. Specifically, it will achieve the following:  Bridging narrative gaps: this book offers insights about and from women who have excelled in various fields. This representation is crucial for inspiring individuals who may not see themselves reflected in traditional leadership arenas. It will enrich the collective understanding of leadership by highlighting the uniqueness that women often bring.  Challenging stereotypes and biases: This book challenges prevailing stereotypes and biases that may limit or misrepresent the capabilities of women in positions of authority. It breaks down gender-based stereotypes by showcasing diverse leadership styles and achievements, dispelling myths that may hinder women's leadership progress.  Inspiring future generations: The stories of trailblazing women become powerful role models, motivating individuals to pursue leadership roles and challenging traditional career expectations. Reading about the accomplishments and challenges overcome by women in leadership can instill confidence in those facing similar journeys. Invariably, if a woman understands WHY she can lead well, she will be able to discern WHEN her leadership is most impactful and WHERE she can express herself best and be able to lead well.