Understanding Leadership through Gender-Lens: Insights from Global Women Leaders

Punyanuch Sirisawadwattana, Country Manager, Robert Walters

The Foundation of Effective Women's Leadership

Qualities, or in other words, soft skills, play a crucial role in effective women's leadership. These skills foster an environment of trust, collaboration, and innovation, which are essential for any successful organisation. Emotional intelligence allows leaders to be aware of their own emotions and those of others, enabling them to manage relationships cautiously and empathetically. Empathy allows leaders to put themselves in others' shoes, which helps in building strong, trusting relationships with stakeholders, whether clients, candidates, or staff. Such understanding encourages a supportive work culture where individuals feel valued and heard, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Additionally, Good communication helps leaders share their vision, set clear goals, and give feedback.

Harnessing Diversity to Overcome Challenges

With the world now valuing diversity and inclusion, it's clear that gender does not determine how a leader solves business challenges. Therefore, I will answer this in a way that highlights the skills and approaches that any effective leader might use.

In one particular instance, our team faced a significant market challenge. Recognizing the urgency, I organised a cross-functional team meeting, ensuring that we included perspectives from different division. This experience reinforced my belief that diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership are critical to overcoming business challenges. By leveraging the unique talents and insights of a varied team, leaders can drive innovation and achieve successful outcomes.

Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders

Today, the world values skills over gender. If you believe in your skills and abilities, be bold and pursue what you want. Conquer your fears and don't hesitate to chase your dreams. If you encounter failure, learn from it and keep moving forward. Always remember that you are enough and never doubt yourself.

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