Advice for women seeking to become leaders in their workplaces | From Dorms to Desks Podcast | ep19

Today’s episode of the From Dorms to Desks Podcast presents advice for women seeking to achieve leadership positions within their places of work, as shared by Melissa Greenwell, author of Money On The Table: How to Increase Profits Through Gender-Balanced Leadership and COO of The Finish Line, Inc.

1. Prioritize Teamwork: Greenwell emphasizes the importance of being a strong team player: “Help others, volunteer for assignments, and make the extra effort to move projects or initiatives forward that will enable the organization to be successful.” This demonstrates commitment and a willingness to contribute beyond individual tasks.

2. Leadership Opportunities Exist Everywhere: Greenwell encourages women to seek leadership roles across all types of businesses and industries, stating that “one path is not necessarily better than another.” Focus on finding an environment that aligns with your passions and goals.

3. Seek Mentorship: Greenwell stresses the value of mentorship for women, highlighting that “the best leaders are the ones who never think they are the best and who always seek to learn how they can be more effective.” Mentors provide guidance, support, and access to their network.

4. Embrace Assertive Actions: We recommend that women seeking leadership roles:

• Speak up: Make your voice heard in meetings and discussions.
• Take risks: Seek out challenging assignments and new roles.
• Engage actively: Don’t shy away from interacting in male-dominated environments.
• Choose supportive organizations: Prioritize companies that demonstrate a commitment to gender balance and support women’s career growth.

5. Lifelong Learning is Key: While advanced degrees can be beneficial, Greenwell emphasizes that “knowledge is powerful and you can never have too much of it.” Continuous learning and self-improvement are crucial for leadership development.

6. Don’t Fixate on Job Titles: Focus on opportunities for growth and meaningful work rather than being solely driven by titles. Greenwell advises, “If you enjoy what you do, but think you will also enjoy a position with greater responsibility, then absolutely you should move on.”

7. Key Qualities of Successful Leaders: Greenwell identifies the following traits as essential for success:

• Aspiration and goals
• Willingness to work hard and go the extra mile
• Clear, consistent, and frequent communication
• Working for the good of the organization and bringing others along