In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, women leaders face unique challenges that require a tailored approach to navigate successfully. Sheryl Sandberg’s metaphor of careers being a “jungle gym” rather than a ladder in her book “Lean In” aptly describes the non-linear path women often take towards leadership roles. This article delves into strategies that empower women to climb the corporate jungle gym with confidence, underscored by insights from Jappreet Sethi, a renowned leadership coach and HR expert.
Embracing Diverse Leadership Styles
The corporate landscape’s lack of female role models leaves many aspiring women leaders searching for examples to emulate. Jappreet Sethi advises, “To succeed as women leaders, it’s imperative to seek out diverse role models and leadership styles. This not only broadens one’s leadership palette but also equips them to tackle stereotypes with grace.” By joining professional organizations or communities, women can discover and develop new leadership styles that resonate with their unique strengths and values. For instance, observing a male leader might inspire a strategic approach to decision-making, while a female leader’s experience could offer insights into navigating gender biases. Ignoring the opportunity to learn from a variety of leaders can lead to a one-dimensional leadership style, potentially stifling growth and innovation.
Making Things Happen
“Done is better than perfect,” Sheryl Sandberg reminds us, emphasizing the importance of progress over perfection. This mantra is particularly relevant for women in leadership, who often juggle multiple responsibilities. Understanding one’s role, capitalizing on strengths, and engaging in tasks that bring joy are crucial for job completion and success. Jappreet Sethi highlights, “The hallmark of effective leadership is the ability to turn ideas into action.” Neglecting this principle can result in missed opportunities and diminished impact, as leadership is not just about vision but also execution.
The Foundation of Hard Work and Preparation
The journey to leadership is paved with hard work and preparation. “Preparation and hard work are the bedrocks of successful leadership,” asserts Sethi. This involves identifying energy peaks and scheduling tasks to maximize efficiency. For example, a leader might schedule challenging tasks during her most energetic times of the day and reserve routine tasks for when her energy dips. Skipping preparation can lead to underperformance and missed opportunities, as leaders are unprepared to seize the moment when opportunities arise.
Building Your Network
A robust network is invaluable for any leader. Engaging with a diverse group of individuals enriches a leader’s perspective and fosters a more inclusive and compassionate approach to leadership. “Building a network is not just about collecting contacts; it’s about building relationships that enrich both personal and professional life,” Sethi notes. For women leaders, this might mean reaching out to mentors, peers, and even individuals outside their industry to gain fresh insights and perspectives. Failing to invest in these relationships can lead to a narrow view of leadership and missed opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Managing Energy, Not Just Time
In the quest for leadership, managing one’s energy is as crucial as managing time. The demands of a corporate career can easily lead to burnout if not carefully managed. Tony Schwartz’s recommendation to focus on energy management—taking breaks, minimizing interruptions, and fostering positive emotions—can help maintain a healthy work-life balance. “Effective energy management enables sustained performance and well-being,” Sethi points out. Overlooking this aspect can lead to decreased productivity and a deterioration of personal health and relationships.
Navigating the corporate jungle gym as a woman leader involves a delicate balance of learning, action, preparation, networking, and self-care. Each of these strategies offers a stepping stone towards achieving leadership success and making a meaningful impact within the corporate sphere. By embracing diverse leadership styles, focusing on execution, preparing diligently, building a supportive network, and managing energy wisely, women leaders can overcome the unique challenges they face and thrive in their roles.
Jappreet Sethi aptly sums up the journey: “Leadership is not just about reaching the top; it’s about how you climb the jungle gym, the lessons you learn, and the people you inspire along the way.” For women aspiring to leadership roles, the journey is as important as the destination, filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and empowerment. By following these strategies, women can not only achieve their leadership goals but also pave the way for future generations of women leaders, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable corporate world.
This blog post has been Digiproved © 2019 HumanResourcesBlog.in © 2013 Jappreet Sethi
