What It Takes To Be A Woman Leader

As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2023, I have no hesitation in stating that the next decade belongs to women. Today, women have assumed leadership positions across sectors, and many have risen to be CEOs. According to some estimates, women's share in senior and leadership roles has seen a steady increase across the world in the past five years and in 2022 gender parity scores were at a record high. 

This brings us to the fundamental question: What does it take to be a woman leader? Men and women are equal but different and complement each other. There are of course certain phases in life, like motherhood, that only women face, and then they have to make choices that are not always easy. How they overcome this challenge often determines their career trajectory. Here are   some success mantras that women can use to overcome this and other challenges to emerge as leaders :

1. Self Confidence: This is a superpower. Once you start believing in yourself then magic happens. It leads to an “I Can, I will” attitude rather than being buried under anxiety and self-doubt. This is what helps ordinary people reach great heights. It will also help you give 100 per cent in every situation.
2. Do what works for you: There are many ways of doing things. Do it the way it works for you. There will always be others who think and act differently. The idea is to learn but not lose oneself. When self-doubt gnaws at you and critics sharpen their knives shut out the external noise. 
3. Build a larger support system: At home or work, women have to deal with challenges that are peculiar to them. Today, with double incomes, couples  can afford the support staff which enables them to focus on their work and at the same time give time to the home. 
4. Communicate: Apart from this, women can talk to colleagues and friends to discuss issues that affect them. Like how do they juggle their career and family priorities? How do you deal when an important office presentation necessitates your presence, but it also clashes with a domestic priority? This helps build trust, both, at home and office as people know what a person is dealing with.
5. Take Feedback: Do not be afraid to ask for advice and be ready to take feedback. Try to find senior mentors/counselors within the organization or outside. Listen to what they are saying and evaluate it dispassionately and be open to another point of view.
6. Build Teams: A leader is only as good as the team. Groom team members, mentor them and help them progress for that is what will help you achieve success. If women come to you with their problems that is where leaders have an especially important role to play. Many women have asked me as to whether they should take a break from their career post motherhood. I have advised them to take a sabbatical instead. I am glad to say that many have taken this advice and progressed well in their careers.
7. Do not compare: Every professional’s journey is a personal one. Each person’s   .   circumstances, challenges, and choices will always be different. There is no point in comparing oneself with others. Therefore, we all have to decide on our goals and work towards achieving them. But decide on the success you want to achieve and work towards that goal.

And one last word. Perseverance is the key to success. This brings me to one of my favourite songs from the 1970s movie Imtihan: Ruk Jana Nahin Tu Kahin Harke, Katon pe chalke mile ye saaye bahar ke ___

O Rahi, O Rahi-----

Smita Bhagat

Guest Author The author is Head of Government & Institutional Business, Hdfc Bank