While we deal with the prevailing global issue of gender inequality and confer about the importance of diversity and inclusion there is much that a woman can do herself to claim her deserved status quo in a corporate set up instead of waiting for the much needed transformation to happen because it is independent of your control and efforts.

In 2019, the proportion of women in senior management roles globally grew to 29%, the highest number ever recorded. In 2020, this percentage remains the same.

Eighty-seven percent of global mid-market companies have at least one woman in a senior management role in 2020.

Women are over-represented in support functions like administration, while men tend to be concentrated in operations, profit and loss, and research and development—all viewed as critical experiences for CEO and board-level positions.

In 2020, 40% of human resources directors are women, compared to 17% of chief marketing officers and 16% of chief information officers.

Though the under representation is obvious but its getting better with each passing year.

See the thing is simple when you want it you need to do everything to have it. Regardless of the evident gender disparity a lot of women have successfully carved a niche for themselves thriving in the same discouraging environment. Oprah Winfrey, Sara Blakely, Sheryl Sandberg to name a few who shinned bright and made it to the top come what may. In this fast moving world where survival of the fittest is rather being taken way more seriously than our previous generations it’s time to go full throttle. I am sure you would agree!!

Now here are few actionable tips that come straight to you from my 12 years of experience in the corporate working in lead roles in multiple industries across media, retail and tech.

So, first and foremost…

1. Be a rebel: I know how you have been taught to perceive this word. It’s often considered a negative word. However, this word has really fascinated me for the sheer fact that it connotes the courage it takes to stand up for the thing you so passionately uphold. In a world where each is busy playing the other’s game niche is now a forgotten word. Know your goals, have a vision and see if the organizations vision and yours align. Don’t forsake your life’s purpose for fulfilling another’s dream.
2. Be useful: A rebel without a clue is without a cause. Here it is important for you to know the ‘How’. It’s good to know your purpose but it is best to know how to accomplish it. Build relevant skills by taking up courses, having a mentor, working on side hustles, interning. Keep adding to your knowledge and make yourself more useful at work. Product modification is a key marketing technique to increase demand. Same stands true about your service at your workplace. Always upgrade.
3. Be vocal: There is just too much noise around us. It is important to be heard to be known. There has been times in my professional life when I was reluctant to set it out of fear of embarrassment. What if… was a big stumbling block. What if you are wrong, what if its not worth it. This a vicious cycle.

  “You could never say the right thing because you always believed you were wrong”

Just say it!

If you have been pushing yourself to be useful (Tip 2) you already qualify to be in the list of the organizations assets. It just gets easier when you are already an asset. You have taken the mind space. Now that you are of value make yourself heard for the right reasons.

1. Be Social: If you are comfortable glued to your laptop in your cubicle you are not allowing your aura to radiate. Acknowledge and be acknowledged. Go out for lunch with colleagues, be a part of informal events like sports days, participate in team building activities organized by the HR, show up during the brain storming sessions, start a book club. Let people know you for your unique abilities, talents, ideas and philosophies. Remember word of mouth is the best marketing tool.
2. Be your boss: Don’t let others opinions run your ‘self’. Learn to say no and leave the table when respect is no longer served. Never work only for money or power because no amount of these can buy respect. Draw clear lines. Say a no to a project that’s not related to your domain or wouldn’t further your career plan. Speak to the relevant heads and sort things out. If communication doesn’t resolve it be ready to walk out. Don’t dilly-dally for too long. You gotta learn to stand up for yourself.

Now these tips are just pieces of advice that do no good if you don’t start executing them. A great way to start working on them is to execute them one at a time. Try to implement each of these tips while you are in your workplace and try to note down the impact it had on you and your surrounding.

Let’s say you start with being a rebel. After putting this tip to use you should be bold enough to accept and acknowledge your vision and see if the role you play presently in your existing organization will help you accomplish it. If not, are you ready to negotiate or job hunt? By now you should have clarity.

These tips will give you a direction and change the way you see and believe. It positively impacts your behavior but eventually it takes massive action for it to bring you the desired results.

Hope these would help you in bringing out the leader in you. Let me know the tips you acted on and how did it impact you and the workplace.

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