Turn Your Experience Into Leadership Influence

How women can position themselves to make an impact

There has been no other time in history when women have made the strides they have today—breaking ground in business influence, leading technological advancements, and serving as a catalyst for social change. Although these achievements are exemplary, many women are still shrinking—especially in the workplace. Imposter syndrome creeps up and affects women at all levels of the career ladder.

The Question Is, Why?

Women are more degreed than ever and hold increasingly more leadership positions in the business world. However, there’s an invisible wall that keeps much hiding in their task lists and not tapping into the mountain of greatness they carry that could remedy innumerable work issues. It all starts with recognizing, positioning, and showcasing your gifts, talents, and experiences to influence the organization you work for.

 

First Things First, Don’t Be Shy About Your Greatness! (This includes my fellow introverts.) 

Perhaps it is because women have been taught to be polite and likable that, typically, they don’t speak up as much as their male counterparts in the workplace. It can sometimes feel like career sabotage to share your accomplishments with your team. That would be true if you were just bragging about your abilities. But there’s a difference between being confident about what you bring to the table and positioning yourself as superior to your peers. You can be both self-assured and a magnetic team player at the same time. Become more discerning of moments to share your instincts and experience to solve problems that will move your team forward.

Let’s Talk About Your Experience

When is the last time you quantified and qualified the work you’ve done over the past few years? Women usually wear many hats and get so engrossed in day-to-day responsibilities that they don’t realize their capabilities have grown.  Recognizing the leveling up of your expertise and the new skills you’ve picked up along the way is the foundation for building your personal brand. Branded professionals often have more fulfilling careers with effortless influence that creates opportunities.

How Do You Build Your Influence? 

You start by leading yourself well. No one knows what you need more than you do. Think about a leader who you respect and trust. What qualities do they have that bring out the best in you? Consider how you can do that for yourself. Leading the charge in your professional development builds unshakable faith in both your uniqueness and your quirks. This naturally gives you an authority in many situations. But this is just the beginning!

You Should Also Determine What You Want to Influence

The advancements women have made began with the power to inspire change. You can spark positive change in your work culture, processes, training programs, roles and responsibilities, team synergy, relationships with customers, and the direction of your team (possibly your entire organization). The key here is to be intentional. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and you can’t be all things to all people. Think of it this way, when you reach the top of your career ladder, what do you want to have been involved in that has brought about innovation or advancement?    
 
Sure, it may be a paradigm shift to step out of your task list to impact the bigger picture, but it’s worth your while. No one has the exact same background, motivations, competencies, and vision as you. That means you are equipped to influence your work environment in ways no one else can. Be confident in what you have to offer and stop depriving your sphere of influence of the resolutions you can bring.

Davina Ware is a career strategist, advisor, and coach with Price Associates and The Complete Leader, a leadership community supporting leaders at every stage of the leadership journey. She is certified by the International Coaching Federation and is also the founder of Upwardly Paved Path. She helps professionals get out of their own way to transition into careers of authority that utilize their gifts and talents.