Question

A female friend of yours who has never filled a formal management role before tells you that she had just been chosen to replace a departing manager. She asks you if, as a female leader, she should adopt a style different from her departing male counterpart. What would you advise her?

Answer 1

• As a woman leader, she has a unique opportunity to shape her own leadership style and impact.
• She does not need to conform to the expectations or norms of her previous male leader, but rather, she should find a way to express her own voice and personality in her role.
• She should draw on her strengths as a woman, such as her ability to persuade others, bounce back from setbacks, foster collaboration, show empathy, and adapt to changing situations.
• She should also learn from other successful women leaders who have faced similar challenges and achieved their goals.
• She should mentor and support other women in her organization and beyond, creating a community of mutual learning and growth.
• She should be confident and proud of her achievements and potential, and not let stereotypes or biases limit her vision or ambition.