10 Rules for Women Who Want to Lead

Image: Finish Line

Guest post from Becky Robinson at the Lead Change Group:

In presenting to the women at The 2014 Indiana Governor’s Conference for Women in Indianapolis, Melissa Greenwell, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at The Finish Line shared the challenges women face in the workplace.

Working harder does not help women close the gaps that exist for us. By leveraging our skills we can tilt the scales to be more balanced in our favor.

The session was standing room only, with women seated on the floor, lining the back of the room, every seat filled. It is obvious that this message is one that these women are hungry to hear.

Melissa Shared These Ideas

[Editor's note: Her list spanned three themes: Building Courage, Being Selfish, and Paying It Forward]

Speak First – Don’t wait to share your ideas. When you share a thought, stop using up talk, a tone that ends statements to sound like questions. Use humor; lighten up.
Stop Apologizing – Don’t qualify your statements. Accept disagreement; thank people for their comments and move on. Boost your enthusiasm. When you think you are demonstrating enthusiasm, turn it up a few notches.
Pick A Role Model – Choose a powerful woman you can emulate in your career.
Communicate Face-To-Face – Communicating electronically can be a relationship killer. If you don’t show up in person, it is difficult to communicate powerfully. Show up in person and watch your pose.
Stay In Control – Control your emotions to maintain professionalism. When you know you are going to have a tough conversation, prepare yourself.

Like these? Click here for 5 more rules Becky outlined from Melissa’s session. Share your favorite on social media and tag it @InGovConf #INGC14!

[Editor's Note: Special thanks to Becky for allowing us to re-blog her post and joining us as a Social Media Ambassador for the 2014 conference!]

About the author: Becky Robinson is the owner of Weaving Influence and the leader of the Weaving Influence team. Her firm helps authors and thought leaders grow their online influence. She is also a wife and mom of three daughters, and enjoys running, reading, writing, a good cup of coffee, and dark chocolate.