The Leadership Gap

Have you fallen into the “leadership gap” as a woman in PR? Here’s what we can do to fix it.

‍

Everyone knows this data point by now, but it bears repeating:

Men apply for a job when they meet only 60% of the qualifications, but women apply only if they meet 100% of them.(Source: Hewlett Packard)

Think about a time in your PR career where you held back from applying for a new job or a promotion because you didn’t meet 100% of the desired qualifications. Even though you knew full well you could do the job and do it well.

You self-eliminated before you could even apply.

And then you watched a man with your exact experience and skill set (or even less!) confidently walk into that role, with no such qualms about filling that 40% gap. It happened to me more than once during my comms career. Has it happened to you? I’ll assume you’re nodding in silent fury, frustration and recognition.

It’s time to change this narrative.

As female leaders in PR, we tend to suffer from what I call the “confidence gap”, which in turn leads to the “leadership gap”. This can open up for many reasons at different points in our career (including after a return from maternity leave, or a gap due to caring responsibilities), but the outcome is always the same. We don’t go for what we want and what we deserve. We don’t take up space at the leadership table. And we watch others take our seat.

Enough.

I work with female leaders in PR and Communications across the world. I’ve heard so many stories of brilliant women who fall into this gap and need support in rebuilding their leadership presence. So that they can add value, lead well and inspire other women to follow in their footsteps. Here are three ways to get started, so you can find your voice and take your place as a communications leader.

‍

1. Challenge any self-limiting beliefs that may be holding you back

Think about any self-limiting beliefs you may be harbouring - from “I can’t be a leader as I don’t work five days a week” to “I’m not an extrovert, so I can’t speak up” to “I’m not taken seriously as I’m a woman”.

Sit with them, think about them and then ask yourself this question: “Where’s the evidence for these assumptions?”

I always ask the women I coach to “look for the evidence”. Most of the time, they won’t find any to support these self-limiting beliefs. The clue’s in the name - they’re coming from our own insecurities and doubts. Once you rationalise these thoughts, you can take the first step towards over coming any beliefs that may be holding you back.

‍

2. Learn to take up space - and take your seat at the table

Have you ever taken a seat at the back or the edge of the room for an important meeting?

Given up your seat around the table to a man?

Offered to (or been asked to) take the tea and coffee order in a meeting when you are actually the one leading that meeting?

I’ve done all of these things as a senior comms leader, much to my chagrin. And it came down to a deep-rooted sense that I wasn’t worthy enough to be sat there. I questioned my own credibility. Even though I was a leader in my own right. Even though I was often sat with less experienced male colleagues.

After one too many of these experiences, I decided to be much more intentional about my leadership presence.

I started to take up space. Our actions and mannerisms speak as loudly as our words in terms of clear communication at work. We need to pair assertive, clear language with assertive, clear body language. Take your seat at the table, not at the back. Lean into the conversation. Decide you deserve to be there and then show up with your whole body.

And while we’re at it…

Stop hedging, apologising and caveating. Think about these phrases - “not sure if this is right, but…” “I could be wrong, but what about…” “this may be an obvious thing to say but…” “sorry to bring this up but…”

Do you recognise them? These are often the types of phrases many women use at work, when they have something to say and are afraid of being labelled pushy or aggressive. But the problem is, whenever we use them, we aren't being clear or intentional about what we mean to say and do. Eliminate these phrases from your vocabulary today!

‍

3. Identify your values and lead them out loud

Trying to lead like someone else is a waste of your time. And it’s not effective. One of the mistakes I made early on in my leadership career was beating myself up because I wasn’t like some of the other leaders I saw around me. It took time and support to realise that by connecting deeply with my own values and strengths, I could offer unique value to others. Even if that may not look like someone else’s pre-determined (and often restrictive) view of leadership.

I wish I’d learnt that sooner.

A leadership coach telling you to “be yourself” might not sound earth shattering. But so many female PR leaders I speak to don’t realise that leading confidently means leading authentically.

So, think about what your values are. Ask yourself: “Am I prepared to lead in a way that feels authentic to me?”

You might think it’s a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many obstacles we will put in the way of leading in the way that works for us.

And it takes courage to dig deep. But imagine going to work every day and feeling comfortable in your skin. Knowing that you behave in line with your values. And that you are employing your unique strengths to lead as only you can. Wouldn’t you feel better? More empowered? And more fulfilled? I know you’d be more effective too.

I’m on a mission to help senior female comms professionals close their own confidence gap and become better leaders. I believe that organisational outcomes - whether you’re agency-side or in-house - can be improved when we empower more women to lead authentically and overcome limiting stereotypes about what good leadership looks like.

Let’s take our seat.

‍

Connect with me on LinkedIn where I talk about leadership development for communications and PR professionals, or feel free to book a call to explore what coaching can do for your leadership journey.