While preparing for an interview for a podcast by a leadership network community here in Hong Kong, one of the questions I was sent beforehand was the following:
As a woman leader, what do you think are the key issues that young women and girls face today, and what advice would you give?
During the podcast, the conversation took a different direction, which was also interesting. But I just want to get back to this topic here, because it has stayed in my mind for a long time and you can go in so many different directions with it. My answer would be this:
There are still huge challenges for women and girls in Asia.
Focusing solely on workplace issues, a recent study done in Asia, found that:
- about a third of women feel they’re discriminated against on the basis of gender.
- More men than women receive training opportunities.
- In many Asian countries still, men are still the most favoured for senior roles.
There’s no doubt that these type of problems within companies require more awareness and broad initiatives for change that must come from the top – from the leadership level.
That said, when it comes to advice to girls and women:
I strongly believe in SELF LEADERSHIP. Meaning, that you shouldn’t just blame outside circumstances for your lack of progress or success, as this will keep you stuck.
Instead, there’re are 3 THINGS I believe women CAN do:
Understand that it is YOU who is in charge of your career.
- Your success is your personal responsibility.
- So speak up for what you want,
- Seek opportunities to make your goals clear,
- Network, ask for mentors, ask for training, ask for a coach, take the first step.
Many of us (girls in and outside Asia) are raised not to ask for anything, to just sit still, behave, and only talk when asked. We all know now that this does not work to get what we want.
False humility is not going to work when it comes to growing your career.
I’m committed to helping women find their voice and learn to speak up and take control of their own development.
Don’t assume that your achievements and your good work speak for themselves.
- Sometimes you need to point out your good work and get the credit it deserves.
- Make sure people inside and outside the organisation are aware of your contributions, talk about them.
- What I have learned from another coach is “It’s not bragging if it’s true”.
- There is nothing wrong with sharing your opinion and seeking to be known for the passion you bring into your work. If you downplay your abilities and hide your talents and strengths, you may miss out on opportunities.
Make sure you bring other girls and women along with you as you climb the career ladder.
This is strong advice, particularly for women who have managed to reach higher positions already:
- Share your knowledge, share your journey, let other women be part of it.
- Mentor, teach, coach, support.
- Be aware that you can be that role model that other girls and women need, because it gives them the hope and confidence that women CAN make it in your business.
I am intrigued what your answer to this question would be. Please share with me in the comments below.
Foto by: Mimi Thian
