Women Leaders and the Art of Making Space.

From Advocacy to Ambiguity: Navigating the Complexities of Female Leadership.

Opportunities and challenges in the intricate corridors of power and decision-making have marked my journey. One particular experience stands out. A male director who had previously recognized my potential offered me a chance to move to his department and later promoted me.

However, a noticeable shift occurred as my influence expanded within the firm. This same director began to avoid making eye contact with me during meetings, regardless of who was speaking. Simply not acknowledging me.

It was perplexing to observe this change, especially considering his earlier support.

Such experiences remind us that every woman's leadership path is shaped by her skills and accomplishments and the complexities of culture, sector, and personal interactions.

As we reflect on these various influences, an essential question emerges:

How can women leaders harness their presence to navigate these multifaceted challenges and chart their unique path to success?

Recognizing the Multifaceted Nature of Resistance:

• Stereotypes: The leadership narrative for women is often boxed into reductive themes. It's not just about reconciling personal and professional dichotomies or defying established perceptions of authority. Each woman's leadership trajectory is a tapestry of varied situations, challenges, and milestones.The leadership narrative for women frequently finds itself confined to narrow themes. Importantly, these stereotypes aren't perpetuated solely by men; women, too, can sometimes be the source of these limiting beliefs.In my journey, I've experienced some of the most formidable resistance from women, often in unexpectedly fierce ways. One more reminder that navigating leadership isn't merely about external perceptions. It's also about understanding and addressing the multifaceted challenges within our own circles. Leadership for women, thus, is a complex journey shaped by diverse situations, challenges, and milestones, influenced by a broad spectrum of interactions and perceptions.
• Diverse Voices in Leadership: When you find yourself as one of the few, or at times, the only woman in a leadership role, the environment can be uniquely challenging. This lack of female representation magnifies obstacles, from subtle sidelining to open challenges.However, while demanding, this context can also serve as fertile ground for growth.In my own experience, while the initial hurdles seemed massive, they became catalysts pushing me to strive harder, dig deeper, and elevate my performance.The lack of diversity initially seemed like an obstacle but became a driving force, propelling me to refine my skills, assert even more, and ultimately thrive in my role.
• Ensuring Ideas Resonate: In an ocean of voices, women leaders need to ensure their contributions are not just heard but that they resonate, inspire, and drive action.

Crafting Space for Success:

Mental Space:

• Continual Learning: Reinforce your expertise and grow constantly in your domain, for knowledge is power. It helps make informed decisions and assert oneself, fortifying your positions of influence.
• Assertive Communication: In communication, it's essential to share thoughts and do so with purpose and clarity.Women are often known to be good listeners and can turn this skill into a strength when communicating assertively.By actively listening and understanding the nuances of conversations, you can tailor your responses to resonate more effectively.Also, speaking assertively requires more than clarity; Communicating directly, unambiguously, and with conviction stems from a foundation of understanding and empathy. But it's equally crucial to infuse that voice with a sense of authority and confidence. This balance ensures that your ideas don't just float in the air but are both acknowledged and acted upon.It's about transforming the narrative from mere participation to impactful contribution.
• Emotional Intelligence: Working with a diverse group means navigating a myriad of personalities and motivations.With their innate capacity for empathy and intuition, women often have a unique advantage in understanding these underlying dynamics. Harnessing this ability allows for creating a foundation of care and trust.But it's not just about understanding; it's equally crucial to establish clear lines of communication. You can channel your nuanced insights into fostering open dialogues, ensuring that care is complemented by clarity and that trust is fortified with transparency.

Physical Space:

• Being Present: In leadership, mere attendance is not enough. Especially for women, who often navigate spaces where they might be underrepresented, their active contribution becomes critical.It's not just about filling a seat; it's about making that seat count.By actively participating, making decisions, and voicing opinions in various settings, you establish your authority and imprint their unique leadership styles and perspectives.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborating effectively with teams requires more than just management skills.Women who may bring a blend of empathy, intuition, and assertiveness can uniquely guide teams with a balanced approach.By valuing every team member's input and fostering an environment of mutual respect, you can guide the group toward common goals.It's about recognizing the strengths of each individual and harnessing those for collective success.

After navigating the external facets of leadership presence, it's equally crucial to turn inward and reflect on the personal dimensions of your leadership journey.

Claiming Your Space: Embracing and Amplifying YOU in Leadership

Women leaders must also carve out space for themselves from within.

I've collaborated with clients who embody varied styles in empowering women leaders through leadership presence. One client, for instance, seamlessly combines femininity with boldness. Through our sessions, she learned to harmonize her innate elegance with striking statement pieces, creating a presence that speaks volumes and enhances her influence in her professional domain.

Another client, embracing a more natural style with muted colors and minimalistic designs, refined her approach with my guidance: she began asserting herself more confidently and impactfully in her communication. The shift in her attire, mirroring her renewed approach, made her voice resonate deeply, capturing attention with its sincerity and depth.

Physical presence is just as vital. How a leader steps into a room with poise and confidence sets the tone. A genuine image, which aligns with one's essence and role demands, ensures true recognition.

Dressing authentically, in tune with one's personality and the context, is essential. It amplifies not just visibility but well-being, respect, and influence.

By claiming this space, you amplify your unique voice amidst professional complexities, not merely participating but defining the narrative.

Crafting Leadership's Canvas: Harmonizing Tradition and Innovation in the Art of Making Space

Making space isn't just about claiming a seat at the table; it's about reshaping that table's environment and dynamics to be more collaborative, adaptive, and forward-looking.

In the "Art of Making Space," genuine leadership becomes a framework for setting new standards in the ever-changing business landscape.

The responsibility of crafting this new space is collective. It isn't exclusively the duty of individual women leaders; organizations play a pivotal role. They must be the curators, ensuring the environment promotes innovative thoughts.

While respecting traditional values is essential, it's equally crucial to champion pioneering ideas and approaches.

Your Protagonist:

Across continents and industries, countless women protagonists have broken barriers, overcome their limitations, and set examples. Their narratives inspire, resonate, and serve as a pillar of relentless progress.

I invite YOU: Share a woman who inspires or has touched your life.

Highlight these formidable leaders, celebrate their journeys, and inspire others. Help me create a cascade of empowerment and recognition in the comments!

#womeninleadership #makingspace #leadershipevolution #leadershippresence

And remember to Keep Carrying Your Own Colors!

Saliha Oukaci

The Impression Architect

saliha.oukaci@coloramidisuccesso.it