How Women Leaders Can Be Bold For Change

Throughout history there have been many remarkable women who have taken a stance, stood up for their rights and the rights of others and have been bold for change.

By taking their stance they have created movements that have resulted in transformation and improvement for the lives of many across the globe. Rosa Parkes, Emmeline Pankhurst, Benazir Bhutto to name just a few.

The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is ‘Be Bold for Change’, and in what ways can today’s women be bold for change and make a positive difference to their lives, their families, their communities and the world?

Some people question the significance of International Women’s Day and whether it is needed. I have seen many comments on social media failing to understand the significance and why it is needed, even going as far as asking why there is not an International Men's Day (of which I was able to inform them that there is).

International Women’s Day, doesn’t detract from the other social injustices that exist. Throughout history, women have been disadvantaged and the day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. However, there is still a way to go until we achieve gender parity. International Women’s Day serves to remind us that we are not yet there.

We can all be bold for change in our own way

Some of you may think that you can’t make a significant change in the world, or that you are not in a position to do so, but all of us can do something. We can all make a difference no matter how big or how small. Some of us are not meant to make a loud, audacious impact in the world, for some of us, the difference we can make starts with ourselves. Whether an introvert or an extrovert, we can all be bold for change and make a difference in our own way.

Each of us can take action to bring about positive change and change the landscape for women and girls, striving for gender parity, so that women worldwide are not treated as second rate citizens and are given the same opportunities as our male counterparts.

Start with yourself

One of my catch phrases is, before you can lead others you need to be able to lead yourselves, and that applies here. You can’t pour from an empty cup so make sure that you look after you.

I am not talking materially here, I am talking about making sure that you look after yourself mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually and that you are energetically topped up in these areas so that you are at your optimal. 

When you are at your best, you are then better placed to help others.

Call out injustices

When you experience an injustice because of your gender, call it out as it is. Don’t be afraid, thinking that to do so will destroy your career. You don’t have to suffer in an environment that treats you like this and keeps putting you down. The longer you stay in a situation that does not respect you for who you are and continually puts you down, the more it will chip away at your self belief.

If you see others around you experiencing injustice because of their gender or because they belong to another disadvantaged group, be supportive of them and encourage them to call it out too. If they can’t help themselves, look at what you can do to help.

Step out of your comfort zone

Change doesn’t come about without taking action and being bold requires stepping out of your comfort zone. That may seem scary because it will take you in to unknown territory, or it requires you having difficult, challenging conversations. However, is staying as you are really the option that you want to take?

Often when we fear making a bold change, or taking a bold step, it’s because we imagine the worst possible outcome. Rejection, failure, achieving success and not being able to handle it being some of the reasons behind this. What can you do to mitigate your worries? And if the worst was to happen, what could you do?

Challenge yourself and take that step out of your comfort zone, because if you don’t, nothing will change and it will all remain the same.

Expand your sphere of influence

Expand your sphere of influence and become a beacon for change. Let your passion for the difference you want to make shine through and drive you. Whether this is through the work you do in your organisation, in your business, in your home or community, or even on a global scale.

Be true to your values, be a person of integrity and let your voice be heard. Do what you can to affect cultural change by influencing those around you.

Encourage other women

Everyone needs encouragement at some time in their lives. Be that person who encourages other women when they face challenges and setbacks. A few words of encouragement. A listening ear. These can make such a difference when someone is feeling discouraged.

Be that mentor for emerging talent. Be a sponsor for an aspiring leader, letting those who need to know, know just how good they are.

And whilst you’re at it, make sure that you have people in your life that are a source of encouragement too.

Give back

Whether it be financial or your time, give something back to a cause that is bigger than you. A cause whose aim is to make lives better. Whether you have one hour a month or ten hours a week, support a charity, community group or you could even start your own.

Help instil confidence in the next generation, the girls of today, our women of tomorrow. Whether this be your daughters, nieces, granddaughters, godchildren, friends’ children, your local school, help them to not put limitations on themselves and who they can be.

If we want to see change for the better, we all have a part to play in making this happen. It doesn’t just have to be on International Women’s Day that you take action and do something, make it an integral part of who you are.

What does being bold for change mean to you? In what way are you being bold for change? I would love to know so please share your comments below.

One way in which women can be bold for change and make a difference is through their own businesses. To coincide with International Women's Week and the budget here in the UK, join me on the Dotun Adebayo show on BBC Radio London (94.9FM and on Digital) at 8pm on Sunday 12 March 2017, where alongside 4 other female entrepreneurs, we will be discussing the challenges in starting a business.

ABOUT ME:

I am The Coach for High Achieving Introverted Women, an Executive, Career, Business Coach, Writer, Speaker, UK top 50 Business Adviser and the founder of Abounding Solutions . With over 25 years coaching and leadership experience, I help women (with a particular emphasis on introverted women) to be authentic, bold, confident leaders and excel in their careers and businesses.

I also help organisations develop the talent pipeline of female employees so that more women make it to senior management roles.

I write here on LinkedIn, on my website and on Huffington Post on subjects to help women achieve optimal potential in their careers and businesses.

Are you a high achieving introverted senior woman? If so, join my new LinkedIn community for high achieving introverted senior women, who are members of senior management teams or executive teams. It is a place to discuss issues relating to your career and how to thrive in environments that don't view introversion as a strength. Come and join the conversation here.

All high achieving women who want to be authentic, bold, confident leaders and excel in their careers and businesses are welcome to join my other, more general community of High Achieving Women here