So how do we move to eliminate this gap? Solving for this can seem like trying to boil the ocean when we think of all the socioeconomic, gender, race, representation, and educational opportunity issues that contribute to the disparity. That said, there are steps that all of us can take to help drive change and break the bias.

Create mentorship programs, encouraging women and men to be mentors for future leaders. Representation matters. If women in your organization can't see other women leaders, it's harder for them to see themselves being one.
Create peer groups. In addition to building networks and mentor connections, a women's affinity group can help women focus on the "can" versus the "cannot." Women, more often than men, will not apply for bigger roles or promotions unless they can check every box on a job description whereas men are more likely to apply if they meet most of the requirements. Helping women focus on what they can deliver immediately, in the near term and in the long term as they acclimate to a role can help address this.
Actively knowledge share and coach. Women can struggle with "imposter syndrome." My most important piece of advice is to learn to trust yourself and have confidence in what you know and what you can do. I spent way too much time early in my career thinking male colleagues must be right because they said something more assertively. I would second guess myself, only to find out my original thinking was correct.

To build a more diverse and dynamic team, I recommend the following approach:

Motivate with Purpose: Let your teams know what you stand for, share your own experience and how you overcame them, offering ideas to share and contribute to the mission, whatever that north star might be.
Empower: Bring the right people and teams together and give them the space to do what they do best.
Trust: Have confidence in your team and trust them to succeed.
Dare to Dream: Embrace the idea that it's ok to push the norm, abandon self-doubt, stay resilient and never give up.

As a female leader, I take the obligation to support other women seriously as we continue to drive the path forward. By helping each other, we can accomplish anything. I encourage my fellow leaders to do the same.

Instant Insights /

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