What makes feminine leaders unique? A noticeable warmth to their persona. An ability to connect with people of all levels and backgrounds. A person who brings community and philanthropy and social consciences to the fore. Someone with feminine style and substance. We know what it looks like, but the truth is it is rare to see within Australia’s public and private organisations. Yet, many women who have embraced a feminine model of leadership have clearly demonstrated that they can be powerful leaders. Take our very own Governor-General, Quentin Bryce as an inspirational example. First of all though, women have to have visibility and get ahead to even be seen as a leader. And as we all know, women in the workplace suffer many barriers to advancement. Many women have a genuine lack of confidence; the model of leadership is stereotypically male and this cultural norm usually permeates the culture and the psyches of many of the employees; there are very few promotional opportunities; there are a distinct lack of female role models and mentors. So how do women get the opportunity to become leaders?

Put simply - it’s a top down, bottom up approach. Organisations need to provide the right culture and environment, the right education and training; and enable opportunities for promotion and advancement to be created on level playing fields. Women then need to put into place training and development to better themselves and step up and take those opportunities when they arise.

emberin’s key strategies for employers

• Make sure your CEO and Senior Executive Team are on board with Diversity (and gender diversity) initiatives
• Put your money where your mouth is – implement gender goals and KPI’s in management performance evaluations
• Bring men into the fold – educate them on working with, and mentoring, women
• Make your employee brand walk your talk
• Implement policies and programs for women’s development
• Implement policies and programs for flexibility
• Implement policies and programs for parental leave

emberin’s key strategies for women aspiring to become leaders:

1. Seek a mentor
2. Develop your personal brand
3. Take calculated risks
4. Continually plan your career
5. Continue to raise your visibility
6. Network! Network! Network!
7. Stick to your values and be yourself.