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Building a personal brand as a women in leadership can be HARD!
- There are less women in leadership than men.
- Less women impacting decision making.
- Less roles models, than for men.
If you are too outspoken and too opinionated then you are not lady-like. If you are not strong enough then you are not leader-like.
Check out my podcast with Anneli Blundell where we dig into the Gender Stakes.
A lot of women think that by working hard, their work will shine out and speak for itself but most likely it doesn’t.
You need to build leadership qualities into your personal brand and find opportunities to make your work visible to get opportunities.
If you are struggling to build your personal brand as a leader. Some of the areas that you can focus on are:
- Self-Reflection
- Define your Leadership Brand
- Set Clear Goals
- Mentorship and Sponsorship
- Feedback
1. Self-Reflection:
Start by understanding your values, strengths, and leadership style. What sets you apart as a leader?
For me:
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Value
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Strengths
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Leadership Style
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Honesty
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Building relationships
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Approachable
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Integrity
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Problem Solver
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Servant Leader
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No Bulls**t
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Change agent
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Doer
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Work Ethic
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Change advocate
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Experimental
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Listening
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Organised
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Action Orientated
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2. Define Your Leadership Brand:
What do you want to be known for as a leader?
What are your key leadership principles and qualities?
I wanted to be known as someone that was responsive, could solve problems and implement change.
I wanted to be seen by the team as someone who put themselves in the work and helps the team. Not someone who took on the teams problems but someone who could collaborate.
Plus I wanted to be seen as someone who created good business relationships and could partner with business areas to deliver change - not an order taker though.
3. Set Clear Goals:
Define your leadership goals, both short-term and long-term.
How do you want to impact your organisation or industry?
Are there some key strategic problems that you can help solve?
Some examples of this could be:
- Improving team delivery focused on a particular work area.
- A specific project or piece of work.
- Mentoring team members.
My experience has shown me that outside your direct is going to get you noticed.
4. Mentorship and Sponsorship:
Seek out mentors and sponsors who can guide your leadership journey.
Likewise, mentor and sponsor other women in their careers. When I have mentored someone else and have been giving someone advice - I have thought - I really should do that myself!
Mentors and sponsors can give advice when you get stuck and help you see what you can’t see for yourself. They can give you clarity and feedback.
They can also advocate for you when you are not in the room.
5. Ask for Feedback:
Ask for feedback relentlessly. After a meeting, ask for feedback, after a presentation, ask for feedback. Ask your team, ask your colleagues. Then see what you learn and more importantly would you do anything differently next time!
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