A woman in leadership. I do not ask for permission.

13/02/2022

Leadership is not to be asked for. We take it. Being a woman in leadership gives us strength - the real one, unfaked, ower own.

There are still few organizations in Poland, that I work with, that have a balance between women and men among the managerial staff. Certainly in the management boards it is very rare. During the last 3 years of intensive work, I have met just two such organizations. It is similar in trainings - the higher the managerial level, the less women. Women are constantly trying to break through, numerous studies convince us what we are really good at and how to use this arsenal of resources. And its rich.
 
In my opinion, however, women try to be more masculine than men at work. Some are still competing with men to prove that they are the same or better. Being a woman is enough strength. LouAnn Brizendine, the author of the book The Female Brain, whom I interviewed for Twój Styl in 2008, deals with the fact which hormones control our brain. At work, therefore, in some areas we will be different. Maybe it's worth building on it? It is worth taking these advantages and reconciling them with knowledge, responsibiltiy, vision and the pursuit of a goal. As we know, leadership is not only about competences and skills, proper communication of a vision or goal. It is also the ability to lead people, influence them, it is about self-awareness, personality, authenticity, integrity, building relationships, courage. Women are great in all of these.

Certain beliefs and assumptions weaken us and take away our strength and authenticity. I believe that knowledge and experience can be defended both in a suit, and in a dress, and with and without high heels.

What I see strong in female leaders beyond their knowledge and experience:

- Staying sensitive and strong in achieving goals
- Being confident and prudent
- Emanating directness and being cautious
- Igniting others with your own energy and distance yourself from your spontaneity
- Being authentic and classy
- Stay calm and firm in the face of evil and aggression
- Express your opinions with conviction and courage and carefully "read" your surroundings
- Having access to emotions and managing them wisely
- Developing empathy and trusting your own intuition

Leadership is not to be asked for. We take it. You may wish to attend a workshop titled Women in leadership