Herminia Ibarra, faculty director of the INSEAD Leadership Initiative and founder of the Gender Diversity Initiative, has some recommendations for women managers looking to become leaders:
• Anticipate transitions. At certain point in your career, you will need to demonstrate leadership capability to move into the senior ranks. Instead of simply ensuring efficiency, planning and organising staff, you will need to create vision for change and then inspire your team to bring it to fruition. These role shifts can be difficult to see. Watch out for them.
• Development isn’t just about your skills. You won’t succeed in senior management if you rely solely on what got you this far. Big-picture thinking and learning how to create influence through coalitions and networks are key to leadership success. Get on assignments that are key to the success of your company, as well as cross-functional projects that bring together diverse stakeholders from across the company.
• Watch out for identity traps. Another common trap for women during the transition to senior management is that they fall victim to their natural leadership style. You’ll need to knock off the micromanaging, learn how to delegate and cultivate the ability to influence without authority.
• Authenticity. It takes 15 seconds for person to form an opinion about you. Think about how you want to be perceived and manage your image accordingly. Keep in mind that it is particularly difficult for women to be perceived as both competent and warm.
