empowHERed Blog
The Likeability Dilemma for Women Leaders
In our Women In Leadership class, we have students watch this TedTalk when discussing the Double Bind and "The Likeability Dilemma" for women. Watch this great short video highlighting common challenges for women not only in the workplace but in every day life.
The Confidence Gap in Men and Women
This is a great read on one of the largest obstacles #womenleaders face: The Confidence Gap. "A Hewlett Packard internal report found that men apply for a job or promotion when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them. What doomed them was not their actual ability, but rather the decision not to try."
When conducting organizational workshops, this often seems to be the challenge that we find women relate to most. The good news is there are actions and steps that women and men can take to begin to close this gap.
How to Thrive Despite Having Imposter Syndrome
Here are some great tips from Maureen Borzacchiello on facing a common obstacle for #womenleaders: Imposter Syndrome. One tip that she offers is one of our favorite "homework" assignments for women leaders: "Make a list of what you are good at, what you are GREAT at. Write it all down, knowing that no one has to ever see your list. Own your greatness." Making your own list and asking others to offer a list of your strengths are two great tools for facing this common challenge.
Embrace Your Imperfection
In our workshops, we frequently discuss the confidence gap that women face and how that confidence gap can serves as a barrier to success. This lack of confidence in the workplace often translates into seeking perfection rather than focusing on progress.
"Perfectionism can be a virtue, but it can also have a damaging effect." Take a look at this interesting read on ways perfectionism can be detrimental and strategies on how women can embrace imperfection.
Why Women Need to Network Differently Than Men
"For women to advance professionally, we need to exploit our one true advantage — a strong female support group. The support system and gender-specific career advice that women can provide other women are crucial to career advancement."
Anjali recently caught up with a former American Express colleague and had a productive and inspiring conversation on career development and networking — sharing networking tips, contacts, and chatted career advice. It was a great reminder of the importance of networking and reconnecting with contacts, particularly for women.