7 Unique Strengths Women Bring to the Table

We need women who are so strong they can be gentle, so educated they can be humble, so fierce they can be compassionate, so passionate they can be rational, and so disciplined they can be free.”― Kavita N. Ramdas

Embracing the Power of Female Leadership: 7 Unique Strengths Women Bring to the Table

As we celebrate International Women’s Day this month, we wanted to touch on the distinct qualities that female leaders bring to the world. Historically, we have been given a leadership blueprint that is largely dictated by men, but we wanted to explore the top seven ways female leadership is different, the unique strengths women bring to the table and how we should all challenge our own beliefs of what future leaders should look like.

1. Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership Style

Female leaders are known for their collaborative approach, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. Research consistently shows that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and enhanced creativity. Women often bring a unique ability to create an inclusive atmosphere where every team member feels valued, resulting in increased productivity and innovation.

2. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

One of the hallmark strengths of female leaders is their exceptional empathy and emotional intelligence. Women often excel in understanding and navigating the emotions of others, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. This heightened emotional awareness enables effective communication, conflict resolution, and the cultivation of strong interpersonal relationships within the team. Leaders who want to find ways to build their empathy muscle might want to consider mindfulness tools like meditation, journaling and breathwork.

3. Effective Communication

Communication is a cornerstone of successful leadership, and women tend to excel in this area. Female leaders often exhibit strong verbal and non-verbal communication skills, ensuring that their vision and goals are effectively conveyed to the team. Clear and transparent communication builds trust and strengthens the foundation of a high-functioning team.

4. Resilience and Adaptability

Women have demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of challenges throughout history. Female leaders often possess the ability to adapt to change swiftly, turning obstacles into opportunities. This resilience enables them to lead teams through uncertain times, inspiring confidence and stability. Look no further than the Centre for Economic Policy Research and the World Economic Forum that published a study showing how female-led countries handled the coronavirus better, including, Jacinda Ardern – the prime minister of New Zealand, who was amongst the many female leaders who reacted more quickly and decisively, the studies found. Much of this is linked to a woman’s natural ability to adapt swiftly to high pressure situations.

5. Holistic Decision-Making

Women often approach decision-making with a holistic perspective, considering the broader impact on individuals and the organization. This approach leads to well-rounded decisions that take into account not only the bottom line but also the well-being of employees, the community, and the environment. Female leaders bring a sense of responsibility and mindfulness to their decision-making processes.

6. Relationship Building

Building and maintaining strong professional relationships is another area where female leaders shine. Whether it’s networking, mentorship, or team collaboration, women often prioritize relationship building, creating a supportive network that contributes to both personal and professional growth.

7. Visionary Leadership

Many female leaders possess a visionary mindset, capable of setting long-term goals and inspiring others to strive for greatness. By articulating a compelling vision, women in leadership roles motivate their teams to reach new heights, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Some of our favourite female leaders include, Whitney Wolfe Herd (founder of dating App Bumble), Jane Goodall (animal activist), Dolly Parton (country singer), Greta Thunburg (climate change activist), Reshma Saujani (founder of Girls Who Code), Gloria Steinman (social activist) and Christina Koch (NASA astronaut) – and they all share a new age, female-forward, vision of leadership that collectively brings us together.

Embracing and promoting diversity in leadership ensures a more dynamic and inclusive future for all. Let’s continue to champion and support the incredible women who lead with passion, dedication, and unparalleled strength.