Women in the Boardroom: Can You Be Nice and Succeed?

Women in the Boardroom: Can You Be Nice and Succeed?

The image of the quintessential board member often conjures a forceful, decisive leader – someone who commands respect with a booming voice and isn’t afraid to stir the pot.

But what if you’re a woman who thrives in collaborative environments, prioritizes building genuine relationships, and shies away from confrontation?

Can you still carve out a space for yourself and succeed in the boardroom, traditionally known for its cutthroat nature?

The answer is a resounding yes. While the boardroom culture of the past may have favored a more aggressive style, there’s a growing understanding that true diversity of thought and approach leads to superior decision-making.

In fact, a compelling body of research shows a clear correlation: companies with more women on their boards outperform those with fewer.

This article delves deep into the unique challenges and exciting opportunities women with a collaborative and relationship-oriented leadership style face in the boardroom.

We’ll explore strategies for leveraging your strengths, building influence that doesn’t rely on forcefulness, and ultimately achieving success as a board member on your own terms.

The Symphony of Collaboration

Women are often natural collaborators, excelling at fostering open communication, building consensus, and drawing out the best ideas from diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach brings a beautiful symphony of benefits to the boardroom:

• Enhanced Decision-Making: By considering various viewpoints and encouraging open discussion, collaborative leaders create an environment where potential blind spots are exposed, leading to more well-rounded and informed decisions.
• Stronger Team Cohesion: Building trust and fostering a sense of shared ownership results in a more cohesive board, where members feel invested in the company’s success and hold each other accountable. This sense of camaraderie fosters better communication and collaboration outside of board meetings as well.
• Improved Risk Management: When diverse perspectives are brought to the table, potential risks that might be overlooked with a homogenous board are more readily identified. This allows for proactive mitigation strategies and a more secure future for the company.

The Hush in the Room: Challenges for Collaborative Leaders

While collaboration offers significant advantages, it can also present certain challenges for women in the boardroom:

• Being Heard: In a room traditionally dominated by assertive voices, it can be difficult for women to get their ideas heard, especially if they shy away from forceful self-promotion. This can lead to frustration and a feeling of being undervalued.
• The “Nice But Not Decisive” Perception: There’s a misconception that collaborative leaders lack the decisiveness needed for effective leadership. This perception can hinder a woman’s ability to gain traction for her ideas and influence board decisions.
• Difficulty Navigating Conflict: Collaborative leaders often prefer to avoid conflict, but healthy debate is essential for effective board discussions. Knowing how to navigate constructive disagreement while maintaining a positive atmosphere is a crucial skill to develop.

From Hush to Harmony: Strategies for Collaborative Success

The key to success for collaborative women leaders in the boardroom lies in strategically leveraging their strengths and addressing potential weaknesses. Here are some actionable strategies to consider:

• Become a Subject Matter Expert: Deep understanding of the company, industry, and relevant issues allows you to make informed contributions and command respect. Invest in ongoing professional development to stay ahead of the curve.
• Develop Your Communication Skills: Learn to clearly and concisely communicate your ideas, using data and evidence to build compelling arguments. Hone your storytelling skills to make complex issues relatable and engaging. Consider taking public speaking courses or joining Toastmasters International to refine your communication style in a supportive environment.
• Frame Collaboration as Strength: Don’t shy away from your collaborative style. Instead, position it as an asset that fosters better decision-making, a more cohesive board, and a more positive boardroom culture.
• Find Your Voice, But Don’t Lose Your Tone: Practice expressing your opinions confidently, even if it means stepping outside your comfort zone. However, remember that confidence and assertiveness don’t have to be synonymous with aggression. Find a way to be firm and clear in your communication while still maintaining your collaborative and respectful tone.
• Build Strategic Alliances: Develop relationships with other board members, both male and female. Building a network of allies who can support your ideas and advocate for your perspective is crucial for influence.
• Embrace Healthy Conflict: Recognize that respectful disagreement can lead to better outcomes. Learn to navigate discussions constructively, focusing on the issues at hand and separating personal opinions from facts.
• Mentor Other Collaborative Women: Share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs with other women who value collaboration. Empower them to thrive in boardrooms and create a more inclusive leadership landscape.

Building Influence: The Art of the Artful Persuader

Influence is a key quality for any successful board member, regardless of leadership style. Here are some specific ways collaborative leaders can build influence without resorting to forceful tactics:

• Become an Expert in Your Area: Deep knowledge and expertise command respect and make your contributions valuable. Actively seek out opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge base. Consider serving on committees that align with your expertise or taking on special projects that allow you to demonstrate your understanding of specific industry issues.
• Focus on Building Relationships: Invest time in getting to know your fellow board members on a personal level, understanding their concerns and perspectives. This builds trust and fosters a sense of camaraderie, making it easier for them to be receptive to your ideas.
• Be a Problem Solver: Approach board discussions with solutions in mind. Anticipate potential issues and come prepared with well-researched recommendations. Demonstrating your ability to find common ground and navigate complex situations effectively builds trust and positions you as a valuable asset to the board.
• Lead by Example: Your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate your commitment to the company’s success through your work ethic, preparation for meetings, and follow-through on tasks. Be reliable, hold yourself accountable, and inspire others with your dedication.
• Be a Champion for Diversity: Advocate for building a more diverse board, not just in terms of gender, but also in terms of age, race, and background. Research shows that diverse boards outperform homogenous boards, and your voice can be a powerful force for positive change.
• Embrace Active Listening: Being a good listener is just as important as being a good communicator. Pay close attention to the concerns and viewpoints of other board members. Ask clarifying questions and demonstrate that you genuinely value their input. This builds trust and fosters a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.

The Future of the Boardroom: A Symphony of Diverse Voices

The composition and culture of boardrooms are undergoing a welcome transformation. As the value of diversity becomes increasingly recognized, the need for leaders with different styles and approaches is growing.

Collaborative women leaders bring valuable skills and perspectives to the table, and companies are starting to recognize this.

By embracing their authentic leadership style, honing their communication skills, and building influence strategically, collaborative women leaders can not only succeed in the boardroom but also contribute to a more inclusive and effective corporate governance landscape.

This shift will lead to a more harmonious “symphony” of voices in the boardroom, one that fosters better decision-making, stronger companies, and a more equitable business landscape for all.

It’s Not About Force, It’s About the Force Within

There’s no single “right” way to be a successful board member. Women who prioritize collaboration and relationship-building can carve out a thriving space for themselves in the boardroom by leveraging their strengths, developing their voice, and building influence strategically.

As the boardroom culture continues to evolve, the value of diverse leadership styles will become even more apparent, paving the way for a future where all leaders, regardless of gender or communication style, can contribute to a more successful and sustainable future for companies around the world.

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: You Belong Here

Many successful women, even those who have achieved significant accomplishments, grapple with imposter syndrome – the feeling of being a fraud or undeserving of their success.

This feeling can be particularly prevalent in boardrooms, where women may be outnumbered and surrounded by seasoned leaders.

Here are some strategies to combat imposter syndrome and claim your rightful place at the board table:

• Acknowledge Your Achievements: Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and the skills and experience you bring to the board. Create a personal “brag book” where you document your successes, awards, and positive feedback. Reviewing this record can be a powerful way to combat self-doubt.
• Focus on Your Contributions: Shift your focus from self-promotion to the value you add to the board. Think about the unique perspective you bring and how your collaborative approach can benefit the company.
• Find Your Support System: Build relationships with other women on the board or in similar leadership positions. Having a network of peers who understand your challenges and can offer encouragement and advice is invaluable.
• Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor, male or female, who can guide you and provide honest feedback. A mentor can help you navigate boardroom dynamics, develop your leadership skills, and build confidence.
• Celebrate Your Wins (Big and Small): Take the time to acknowledge your contributions, big and small. Did you facilitate a productive discussion? Did you identify a potential risk that others overlooked? Celebrate these wins, both internally and with your support system.

The Power of Negotiation: Getting What You Deserve

Negotiation is a crucial skill for any board member, but it can be especially challenging for women who are conditioned to be agreeable. Here are some tips for women to become more effective negotiators in the boardroom:

• Do Your Research: Before entering any negotiation, thoroughly research industry standards, compensation benchmarks, and relevant data to support your position.
• Know Your Value: Be clear on the value you bring to the board and the specific contributions you make. This knowledge empowers you to ask for what you deserve with confidence.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Role-play negotiation scenarios with a trusted friend or mentor. This allows you to practice your communication style, anticipate objections, and develop effective counterarguments.
• Focus on Collaboration, Not Conflict: Remember, negotiation doesn’t have to be adversarial. Frame your requests as a way to find a mutually beneficial solution that best serves the company’s interests.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: Knowing your bottom line and being prepared to walk away from a deal that doesn’t meet your needs is a powerful negotiation tool.

Final Word: Leading with Authenticity and Impact

The ability to lead with authenticity and impact is what truly defines a successful board member. Collaborative women leaders have the power to transform boardroom culture, fostering a more inclusive and productive environment.

By embracing their strengths, overcoming self-doubt, and honing their skills, these women can make a significant contribution to the success of their companies and pave the way for the next generation of female leaders.

Call to Action

Women who prioritize collaboration and relationship-building are essential voices in the boardroom. If you’re a woman with a collaborative leadership style, don’t be afraid to step up and take your seat at the table.

Your unique perspective and approach are valuable assets. Believe in yourself, leverage your strengths, and use this guide to help you navigate the boardroom and achieve success on your own terms.

Together, we can create a future where all voices are heard and valued in the boardroom, leading to a more prosperous and equitable business landscape for everyone.