Did you know that only 4.6% of Fortune 500’s CEOs are women? Only 4.6! What in the world is going on here?
These are the kinds of statistics that make female leaders lose their minds. And I don’t blame them. When we see these kinds of numbers, we have to ask ourselves, why don’t women hold more seats in the boardroom?
If you’re frustrated and disgruntled, take a step back and consider: What part of this is our responsibility? I’m not saying the position we find ourselves in is entirely our responsibility. Indeed, it is not. But there are things we can do to help change the landscape. If you want to see lasting change for women in the boardroom, then we have to ask ourselves: What part of this situation is under our control? What can we, as a powerful global community, do differently?
We can help turn this around. As inspiring leaders, we can lead both our male and female counterparts in the workplace to make important things happen. Below, I discuss 11 tips for taking control in the details. The more you lean into these empowering strategies, the easier it will be for you to pave your way to your next level of success.
TIPS for TAKING CONTROL: Little things matter.
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Never shy away from being called ‘ambitious,’ cautions fashionista billionaire Tory Burch. Ambition is a positive attribute in the workplace. Women who take this as something negative defeat themselves.
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Watch your language. Apologetic, submissive speech patterns are our enemy. Words like “just,” “I think,” and “maybe” work against us. Be assertive. Don’t hedge your bets.
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Manage your appearance. Dress to show that you take yourself seriously as a business person. Too sexy or disheveled won’t cut it, and you know it. Embrace your unique sense of style (whatever that might be) and dress the part (especially on camera!)
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Speak your mind at meetings. Please, make yourself be heard. Do not ask for permission to speak; state your point intelligently and in a confident voice.
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Ask for that pay raise. It’s time, ladies. A 2008 Washington Post survey showed women 85% less likely to ask for promotion than men. It’s time to change that statistic.
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Don’t shy away from compliments rightfully earned. Accept “well done” graciously and avoid diminishing your contributions. “Thank you” is considered a complete sentence when accepting a compliment.
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Handle negative feedback like a boss. Stay curious, this is an occasion to show your resilience and willingness to learn.
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Socialize with co-workers at outside-the-office functions. Get to know them and be known by them. Network and actively look for opportunities to socialize when appropriate but stay away from the booze.
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Don’t avoid emotion when it’s called for, but make sure it’s not excessive. Stay classy; never scream at others or cry when confronted. It never works.
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Don’t be the “mother.” You’ll be skipped over for promotions if you spend all your time taking care of what needs to be done for everyone around you. Instead, be known for the way you empower your team and those around you to contribute their very best efforts.
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BE A STRONG FEMALE. This doesn’t mean to be more like a man or become one of the boys. Your feminine genius is exactly what your organization needs you to bring to the table.
Once you’ve mastered these small things, you will feel more confident to bring your A-game to every professional situation. Smart and assertive — that’s how we command the stage and become the go-to leader in your field.
Take charge of your career future. If you’d like a boost in the right direction, let’s talk. I’m a woman like you who’s done it, and I’d be happy to explore the possibility of collaborating with you. You can contact our concierge team directly at [email protected] or learn more about me at https://MariCarmenPizarro.com
