Why Women Mentors are the Key to Inclusive Leadership

Have you ever faced a daunting challenge at work that seems impossible to overcome? Maybe you’re dealing with a difficult boss, navigating office politics, or struggling to make your voice heard. It’s times like these when having a mentor can make all the difference. As a woman leader, I’ve been fortunate to have had several mentors throughout my career who have helped guide me through tough situations and pushed me to reach my full potential.

However, not all women have access to the same level of mentorship, coaching and support in their workplaces. Studies show that women are often underrepresented in leadership positions and face unique challenges and barriers. Mentorship can provide the guidance and support needed to overcome these obstacles and reach their full potential.

Breaking the Glass Ceiling

How Women Mentors Can Help Others Succeed

Women leaders bring a fresh perspective to the table, and inclusive leadership benefits the bottom line too.

According to a study conducted by McKinsey & Company, companies with a diverse executive board have a 25% higher likelihood of financial success than those without.

Women CEOs displayed more empathy, and were more open to flexibility and adaptability when communicating with staff during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, research has revealed.

Mentorship plays a crucial role in paving the way for future generations of women leaders. By offering guidance and support to aspiring female leaders, mentors can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive workplace culture.

Here are some ways in which mentorship can help pave the way for future generations of women leaders.

The Role of Mentorship in Empowering Women in Leadership

· Sharing Knowledge and Experience: Experienced women leaders can share their knowledge and experience with younger women who are just starting their careers. By providing insights into the challenges they faced and the strategies they used to overcome them, mentors can help their mentees avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions. This can be particularly helpful for women who are navigating male-dominated industries, where the odds may be stacked against them.

· Building Confidence: Women leaders often face imposter syndrome and self-doubt. A mentor can help build their team’s confidence by offering encouragement and support, and by providing opportunities for them to showcase their skills and abilities. This can be particularly important for women who may have been socialized to be less assertive or self-promoting.

· Expanding Networks: Women leaders can use their networks to help their women team members build connections and expand their professional networks. This can be particularly important for women who may have limited access to informal networks. By introducing their mentees to influential people in their industry or field, mentors can help open up new opportunities for them.

· Advocating for Advancement: Women leaders can act as advocates for those who they mentor, helping them secure promotions, new assignments, or other opportunities for advancement. By serving as a champion for their teams, mentors can help ensure that they are not overlooked or undervalued due to gender bias or other factors.

· Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: By mentoring women from diverse backgrounds, women leaders can help foster greater diversity and inclusion in their workplaces. This can have a ripple effect, as those who are supported and encouraged to succeed are more likely to become leaders themselves, and to work to create more inclusive cultures in their own organizations.

Shifting the Paradigm

There are still challenges that women face when it comes to leadership, and mentorship is a key factor in addressing them. Studies have shown that one in five women say they’ve never had a mentor in the workplace, which can be concerning for employers. Additionally, in male-dominated work cultures, it can be difficult for women to tap into informal mentorship opportunities.

Formal mentoring programs are effective in providing guidance and support to women leaders. Combining formal mentoring programs with coaching journeys can take the support to the next level, providing personalized and holistic development opportunities. Coaching can be an incredibly valuable tool for women leaders looking to unlock their full potential. Through coaching, women can receive personalized feedback and support tailored to their unique needs and goals. This can include identifying and overcoming limiting beliefs or behaviours, developing leadership skills, and creating a vision for their future success.

Coaching can also help women leaders navigate complex work environments and overcome the unique challenges they may face, such as imposter syndrome or gender bias. By providing a safe and supportive space for women to explore and develop their leadership abilities, coaching can help them build confidence and resilience. It can also help women leaders become more self-aware and better understand their strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness can be an essential tool for women leaders in developing their leadership style and leading with authenticity.

At Mentoring Matters, we believe that women mentors are the key to inclusive leadership. By providing support, guidance, and sharing experiences, women mentors can empower other women to be their most effective selves. We’ve seen first-hand the impact that mentorship and coaching can have on women’s careers, and we’re committed to helping companies establish formal mentoring programs that benefit everyone.

As we continue to strive towards more inclusive workplaces, let’s prioritize coaching and mentorship for women. By providing women with access to coaches who can help guide them through challenges and provide them with crucial knowledge and insights, we can nurture more equitable and diverse leadership teams.

1. Previous article:
2. Next article:

PREETI PRAYAG

Preeti Prayag is the co-founder of Mentoring Matters, a platform for businesses and individuals across industries to drive holistic professional growth across mid and senior-level positions through dedicated coaching by certified professionals.