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#women in leadership, Is it difficult to get senior executives and shareholders to actually listen and try out your business ideas, being a woman?? #Fall24?
#women in leadership, Is it difficult to get senior executives and shareholders to actually listen and try out your business ideas, being a woman??? #Fall24
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3 answers
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
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Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Being a woman has nothing to do with anyone in the food change, either higher or lower, listening to you or even implementing your ideas.
What you need is a developed level of respect, a history of valued commitment to the organization, the ability to handle constructive criticism, experience in the field you are attempting to implement new ideas or procedures into.
First and foremost, get rid of self imposed obstacles which deal with sex, race , religion and all the other multitudes of areas that can be used as a tool to hold back progress.
If you do have an idea for change and/or improvement with cost analysis which favors profitability then submit a written proposal to board of directors, president, CFO, legal, HR and local/regional manager “SIMULTANIOUSLY”
Least your ideas become recognized under someone else name. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Also, never expect anything in return but appreciate it if they do offer an award or a pat on the back.
What you need is a developed level of respect, a history of valued commitment to the organization, the ability to handle constructive criticism, experience in the field you are attempting to implement new ideas or procedures into.
First and foremost, get rid of self imposed obstacles which deal with sex, race , religion and all the other multitudes of areas that can be used as a tool to hold back progress.
If you do have an idea for change and/or improvement with cost analysis which favors profitability then submit a written proposal to board of directors, president, CFO, legal, HR and local/regional manager “SIMULTANIOUSLY”
Least your ideas become recognized under someone else name. Trust me, I learned the hard way. Also, never expect anything in return but appreciate it if they do offer an award or a pat on the back.
Updated
Nauman Tahir’s Answer
As a male in a senior management role, I can say that great ideas should be valued and heard regardless of the person presenting them. Personally, I focus on the merit of an idea and the potential impact it can bring to the organization, rather than focusing on who brings it to the table. However, I recognize that this approach may not yet be universal, as some workplaces might still lean towards traditional, male-dominated perspectives.
For women in leadership, navigating this landscape can present challenges, but there are effective strategies to ensure that your ideas gain the attention they deserve. Presenting ideas with confidence and clarity makes a big difference. When you articulate your ideas with a strong rationale and connect them to business goals, it increases their weight.
Building allies among peers, mentors, and even those in other departments can be powerful. Real change often comes from relationships built over time. For example, in one of my previous teams, a junior manager collaborated with colleagues in finance and marketing to support her project proposal. By demonstrating how it benefitted multiple departments, she gained broader support that resonated with the executive team, ultimately leading to successful project approval.
Data-driven ideas speak volumes, especially in environments that might default to traditional thinking. By providing metrics, trends, or evidence that support the idea’s potential success, you make it easier for stakeholders to focus on the business impact over any biases.
Finding mentors who value diverse perspectives and support innovation can offer invaluable guidance. I’ve mentored colleagues who were able to make their mark by refining their presentations, anticipating counter-questions, and confidently advocating for their ideas.
Stay Resilient and Patient. Change can take time, and persistence is key. Keep bringing ideas forward, learning from each experience, and improving your approach. There’s a tendency for strong, consistent contributions to eventually break through.
For women in leadership, navigating this landscape can present challenges, but there are effective strategies to ensure that your ideas gain the attention they deserve. Presenting ideas with confidence and clarity makes a big difference. When you articulate your ideas with a strong rationale and connect them to business goals, it increases their weight.
Building allies among peers, mentors, and even those in other departments can be powerful. Real change often comes from relationships built over time. For example, in one of my previous teams, a junior manager collaborated with colleagues in finance and marketing to support her project proposal. By demonstrating how it benefitted multiple departments, she gained broader support that resonated with the executive team, ultimately leading to successful project approval.
Data-driven ideas speak volumes, especially in environments that might default to traditional thinking. By providing metrics, trends, or evidence that support the idea’s potential success, you make it easier for stakeholders to focus on the business impact over any biases.
Finding mentors who value diverse perspectives and support innovation can offer invaluable guidance. I’ve mentored colleagues who were able to make their mark by refining their presentations, anticipating counter-questions, and confidently advocating for their ideas.
Stay Resilient and Patient. Change can take time, and persistence is key. Keep bringing ideas forward, learning from each experience, and improving your approach. There’s a tendency for strong, consistent contributions to eventually break through.
Updated
Cathy’s Answer
Based on my experience it can be however some proven keys to success:
1. Clarity- be factual.
2. Speak confidently (good advice for all)
3. Believe in your message, ideas but don't be emotional.
4. Be a listener - maybe this should be higher up. Listen and watch how other women and men achieve getting their ideas heard.
5. Mentor was mentioned- can be very helpful.
1. Clarity- be factual.
2. Speak confidently (good advice for all)
3. Believe in your message, ideas but don't be emotional.
4. Be a listener - maybe this should be higher up. Listen and watch how other women and men achieve getting their ideas heard.
5. Mentor was mentioned- can be very helpful.