Eight-five percent of businesswomen describe themselves as just functioning at work over the past six months, with more than 15 % flat out languishing according to The Australian Pulse of Women In Leadership.
Perhaps it’s no wonder when for so long women have been told to change who they inherently are in order to find their seat at the boardroom table. Step up, be more assertive, and, in recent times, lean in.
The message has invariably been about ‘fixing the women’. Make women more like men so they can seamlessly fit into the existing organisational structures. Blend in, don’t make a fuss, suppress your femininity, don’t be too special or have different needs, and god forbid, don’t let anyone actually notice that you are, you know, a woman!
Is it any wonder that women are opting out of corporate careers, sidelining themselves or starting their own businesses when they feel demoralised from trying to fit a model that doesn’t serve them well? No.
But 75 % of business people surveyed acknowledge that business would better if there were more women in leadership roles.
So what do women need to be more successful in their careers?
Having more women in leadership roles is not just about offering child-care friendly workplaces, part time work, job sharing, or paid maternity schemes, although these things are certainly required and valuable. And it’s not just about perceived ambition gaps, sitting at the table and getting the right mentor.
It’s about what actually happens when you show up for work. How you show up, and how it feels to you when you do.
We know from decades of research that when people get to do what they do best everyday, they thrive, and as a result, the business thrives. Engagement goes up, collaboration improves, innovation flourishes, productivity lifts and so does the bottom-line.
A growing body of research suggests six steps women can take to help them flourish more at work – no matter what their job is or who they work for:
1. Understanding the value of feminine traits
There is a growing global trend that recognizes the bottom-line value of feminine traits – as identified by research – such as openness, empathy, collaboration, flexibility and patience in our organizations. As declining levels of engagement and productivity continue to plague our workplaces, we need to be aware of the unique value we’re neurologically wired to deliver and stop worrying about being “too nice” https://womensagenda.com.au/talking-about/opinions/women-dont-need-fixing-leadership-needs-changing/201403073699.
2. Challenge our mindsets
Studies are finding that more important than believing in our abilities (or our competence) is the belief we can improve upon our abilities (our confidence) when it comes to success. It’s time to make peace with frustration, failure and criticism as natural parts of the learning and growth mindsets and stop measuring ourselves by our accomplishments rather than our efforts.
3. Boosting our confidence by discovering our strengths
It’s time to stop hesitating, holding ourselves back and hedging our bets and time to turn our ideas into action. Stepping outside our comfort zone in ways that feel authentic can be easier by understanding what our top strengths are – those things we like doing and are good at – and using them each day at work.
4. Creating more meaning in our work
Having a sense of purpose, knowing ‘for the sake of what’ we’re getting out of bed each morning helps women to worry less about what others think of them, focus their attention on shared goals and take up activities critical to our success.
5. Having a career management plan
Only a small percentage of women actually have a career plan in place, with more than 70% of women operating without one, and nearly 40% saying they are just ‘winging it’. But how will we get from where we are to where we want to be without clear goals, a plan and mentors and sponsors to support us?
6. Investing in our wellbeing
Too often the first things we forgo when work and life gets busy is the sleep, movement and nourishment our bodies need to generate the energy, happiness and productivity we need to thrive at work. Sticking to a regular bedtime routine, moving from your seat every twenty minutes and avoiding fried, fatty or sugary foods are the wellbeing non-negotiables women should try to prioritize.
Women don’t need to be fixed, molded or modified in order to fit into the ready-made cubicles in our workplaces. But they do need to be supported in order to flourish. And they need to support themselves.
Perhaps one of the most important changes that needs to be made, is for women to grant themselves a new permission to thrive on their own terms, and to embrace the practices they truly need to do so.
Wondering which step to start with? Hear how real female leaders are successfully applying these ideas during this upcoming podcast series.