Women in executive positions often face unique challenges rooted in gendered perceptions about leadership. Despite strides made toward gender equality in the workplace, deeply ingrained stereotypes about women’s leadership styles and capabilities persist.
Below, members of Forbes Coaches Council discuss biased notions that may challenge female leaders in today’s business world. Read on to learn about steps they recommend women in executive roles take to clear such obstacles and pave the way for not only a brighter personal career journey, but a more inclusive and diverse corporate culture.
10. Utilize The Feedforward Model For Guidance
When I work with male executives, I am asked how they should provide feedback and perspective to their female counterparts. Their concern is how it will be taken. They have no issue with male counterparts: “I’d be direct.” Women are perceived as fragile and not able to take directness the same as men. Female executives—use the feedforward model to proactively ask for feedback and signal receptiveness. – Kristy Busija, Next Conversation Coaching, LLC