Build your leadership identity to claim your Seat At The Table

Good morning there,

"As of 2023, only 25% of C-suite positions globally are occupied by women, highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women in top executive roles." - according to a recent report by McKinsey & Company.

This recent statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of gender disparity in top executive roles.

Today, we are going to explore what leadership identity is and how it plays a crucial role in helping women overcome these barriers and claim their seat at the table.

What is the Leadership Identity? 

Leadership identity is more than just having a title; it's about understanding your core values, strengths, and unique qualities that define your leadership style. A clear leadership identity helps you navigate your career with confidence and authenticity, making sure you're always true to yourself. This is important as you will be tested in numerous situations to make tough decisions as a leader. How will you know if it is the right decision?

In my earlier days of leadership, I must admit, I did what I was told. As we journey together, more stories will unfold, but I wanted to start with this one.

The Hard Conversation: Second-Generation Gender Bias 

Despite many organizations' efforts to increase gender diversity, there are still subtle biases that can hold women back. These "second-generation" gender biases are less about direct discrimination and more about the unconscious assumptions and stereotypes that can impact how women are perceived and valued as leaders. This usually translates to women having to work harder AT establishing their credibility and authority.

Have you met Jane?

Let me tell you about Jane (name changed for privacy), a senior manager in a tech company. Despite her impressive qualifications, Jane often felt overlooked when it came to discussions about leadership roles. She faced subtle biases that questioned her leadership style, reinforcing unhelpful stereotypes. By becoming aware of these biases and focusing on her strengths, Jane was able to build a more confident leadership identity, which eventually led to greater recognition and opportunities.

Practical Tips: Recognizing and Understanding Bias

1. Self-Assessment: Reflect on your experiences and consider how gender biases might have affected your leadership journey.

2. Seek Detailed & Constructive Feedback: Talk to trusted colleagues or mentors about how they perceive your leadership. This can provide insight into biases you may not have noticed.

3. Educational Resources: Read about second-generation gender bias and its impact on women leaders to better understand the challenges you may face.

Recognizing and addressing these subtle biases is the first step in shaping your leadership identity. In our next newsletter, we'll dive into how you can define and build your unique leadership identity.

Plan for the week: Take some time to reflect on your experiences with bias and how they may have shaped your leadership journey.

There is more to be covered on this topic, today was simply the beginning.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll delve into defining your leadership identity.

Are you ready to make some changes this week!

You’ve got this!

I’m rooting for you,