Good leadership is gender-independent, but the cultural and personal experiences of women and men are indeed very different. It is no secret that women have always faced greater hurdles when it comes to their careers. Across all geographic and income levels, inequalities exist between men and between men and women in the form of wage gaps, unequal advancement opportunities, and an unbalanced representation in important decision-making processes.
But how does a woman advance, and how does one lead with great success?
Many women ask themselves this question on their way into professional life. These women are successful, ambitious, and well-educated. Yet despite their successes, they sometimes feel that many obstacles lie in their way. However, they also know that with the right strategy, they can overcome these challenges and embark on a career where they can utilize their talents and celebrate new successes.
While skills, experience, and knowledge are fundamental to success, companies today place much greater importance on soft skills (Source). Soft skills are crucial for professional success just like emotional intelligence.
Moreover, it is important to know and deepen one's personal and authentic style in order to lead with confidence. It is essential to sometimes deliberately step out of one's comfort zone and leave the negative inner voice behind. Essential leadership skills also include 100% professionalism such as self-motivation, work ethic, and resilience. A clear communication strategy and the ability to build networks are also essential for success.
These skills and attitudes are needed to launch and advance in professional life. From professionalism to collaboration to a supportive management style and a cooperative problem-solving approach, women possess skills that make them an invaluable asset (Source). When women combine these skills to enhance their leadership qualities, they achieve both qualitative cultural gains and quantitative business successes. By connecting soft skills, experiences, and expertise, female leaders further develop the company and ensure sustainable growth.
