Tap into Your Powerhouse: 4 Ways to Step into Your Leadership Identity

A business leader is the captain of their ship. They steer their team toward success, making impactful decisions when needed. There’s no denying the importance of their role. After all, they’re the face of their company, department, or team. In a lot of ways, they represent us. 

So why aren’t there enough women leaders? If we make up nearly half of the workforce, shouldn’t more of us take high-level executive roles?

The good news is that, in recent years, companies have taken DEIA more seriously. A 2020 McKinsey report reveals that the global market for DEI was roughly $7.5 billion and will likely double the amount by 2026. Organizations are spending a good amount of money to break gender barriers and make workplaces more equitable. The bad news: as stated in the same study, it’s going to take approximately 151 years to close the gender gap worldwide. Change is happening, but it’s slow-going. 

It will take a while for us to make a difference on a larger scale. However, there’s still a silver lining. We can nurture our growth as leaders, potentially empowering others in our community.

Let’s explore some ways you can claim your mantle. 

We need women leaders more than ever. 

We’ve seen a steady growth in female leadership over the years—but it’s still insufficient. For instance, Pew Research shows that: 

• 10.6% of Fortune 500 companies are owned by women, which is considered a record high. 
  
  
• 9.6% of Fortune 500 board members were women in 1995. In 2022, it increased to 30.4%. 

Women leaders add immense value to their companies. They improve profitability, foster a deeper sense of trust in the workplace, and even challenge harmful gender stereotypes that often paint them as less competent or knowledgeable. But the Pew Research study proves that, despite evident progress, we have a long way to go. 

Time and time again, women prove we’re more than capable of achieving our goals. Every day, we lead teams, run businesses, and yield positive results just as effectively as our male counterparts. For too long, we’ve been easily dismissed in male-saturated environments that don’t like to extend another seat at the table. Throughout history, we’ve been painted as either too weak or excessively aggressive when, in fact, we have the potential to innovate and inspire. 

More than ever, we see an urgent need for women leaders to rise and take the reins to empower their respective communities and themselves. Self-advocacy is uncomfortable, especially if we’re new to speaking up for our needs and expectations. But it’s necessary if we’re going to be the change we need to see. 

If you need concrete action steps to propel your leadership journey, here are four tips to get you started. 

4 ways to step into your leadership presence 

1. Solidify your purpose.

It’s not about asking what you do but why you do it. Let’s say you’re the Vice President of your organization’s contact center. You juggle multiple responsibilities, from managing your team to improving internal processes, and you produce favorable results. But what’s the passion driving your work? At the end of the day, what makes you feel fulfilled? 

Is it your eagerness to leave systems better than you found them? Or is it your commitment to nurturing meaningful relationships with your coworkers? Every action should have a tangible why and a rationale that illustrates a path to your goals. Your purpose defines your narrative. So, before doing anything else, identify the pillar of your story. Allow it to shape your decisions and interactions, molding you into the leader you want to be. 

2. Develop your personal leadership style. 

Everyone leads differently according to their priorities and experiences. Some appreciate clear structure and tradition, while others tend to be more flexible and open to change. There’s really no wrong answer, but it’s vital you nail down your unique leadership style to see which one fits your needs. 

Consider the following questions as you reflect:

• How can my leadership create the healthiest, most optimal work environment?
  
  
• What do my team members need, and how can I deliver? 
  
  
• Which leadership or management style aligns with my personality?
  
  
• What kind of feedback can I gather from my associates, and how should I use it to improve?

As you experiment and evolve, your leadership style is also bound to change. Allow it to shift organically, but ensure you stay consistent with your values. Accept your uncomfortable moments and human mistakes, and allow them to push you forward, a step closer to being a woman leader who empowers every room she frequents. 

3. Keep yourself ahead of the curve. 

We know that women leaders are less likely to be noticed, requiring them to work that much harder. It has been proven time and time again. When faced with prejudice and unfair dismissal, keeping yourself ahead of the curve can be a strong, effective form of self-advocacy. 

Commit to lifelong learning and think of ways to tap into your potential—not just to prove people wrong, but to demonstrate to yourself what you’re capable of. It can look like seeking more seasoned mentors to provide wisdom, pursuing a degree that will elevate your career prospects, or attending insightful conferences to deepen your understanding of any industry shifts. 

As a woman leader, your ability to navigate your professional journey becomes your competitive edge. Embrace every experience and the lessons it teaches you so you can adapt and come out on top every single time. Moreover, feel free to take up space and celebrate your accomplishments. You deserve to stand on a stage and showcase your contributions to your work, big or small.  (Our CCW Excellence Awards allows you to do just that. We encourage you to apply!) 

4. Lean into your compassion and confidence. 

You don’t have to compromise compassion to exhibit confidence, and vice versa; the two should, in fact, coexist in your leadership. When faced with pivotal decisions, the thoughts and intentions you put into your response dictate how your team will move forward. 

Empathy should be ever present in every relationship and interaction, building trust between you and your coworkers. At the same time, demonstrating self-assurance is just as necessary, especially when you need to stand by your convictions and prove that they’re the sure way to shared success. As a woman leader who knows how to balance both, your actions can help guide others on similar journeys.

Build your network of women leaders through CCWomen. 

Looking to build meaningful relationships with women in leadership? CCWomen is home to many. Whether decades into their career or coming into the industry with a fresh perspective, our community is dedicated to empowering one another. 

Through insightful webinars, networking opportunities, and other personalized services to help you fulfill your goals, CCWomen is here to elevate your career journey. 

Want to learn more about our paid membership benefits? Let’s get connected.