How To Make Your Mark As a Female Leader In A Male-Driven Industry

Women are now a part of most industries that were once the playgrounds of men. Competent and able female entrepreneurs in Australia are breaking the glass ceiling and entering domains like manufacturing, construction, IT, engineering, mining, technology, etc. However, being the only female in an organisation full of men can be challenging. While diversity has become a hot topic of discussion, working under a female leader can still affect the male ego and lead to clashes.

Thus, female entrepreneurs have to deal with internal bias and gender equality issues besides facing business hurdles. Here are a few tips on how women can make their presence felt and gain the confidence of their workforce in a male-dominated industry.

 

1. Be Yourself

As a woman, we may be judged for every action we take in the leadership role. Developing a thick skin and avoiding the prejudices and patronising remarks by industry people is essential. Do not change yourself to fit into their idea of a male leader. Maintain your personality and behaviour wherever you go without compromising your ideals and beliefs.

You will face challenges, such as not getting the desired respect from suppliers, industry veterans, competitors and investors. Do not let that affect your performance. Beat them in their own game to earn their respect. Identify people who doubt your conviction and create roadblocks in your path. Eliminate them from your life as quickly as possible.

 

2. Find Your Support System

Every successful leader has a strong team backing their vision and efforts. Find a mentor and a team of capable staff members who stand with you through thick and thin. You will need advice and suggestions at every step of the way. Pick talented and experienced people who recognise your determination and passion rather than worrying about your gender.

They can provide the required support to achieve business goals and thrive in an industry that women have not preferred. You can also find support from other women entrepreneurs and not-for-profit organisations in Australia working for the development of businesswomen.

 

3. Use Your Strengths

Female leaders need to showcase their confidence, hard work and grit to their employees. They need to be assertive and ambitious in their endeavours to inform others that they strictly mean business. It is vital to display your strengths and use them for staff development to make the staff members recognise a female as their true leader.

Answer their questions to demonstrate your knowledge, participate in discussions to display your teamwork and keep them in the loop about your strategy to exhibit your skills and expertise in the field. The employees, suppliers, partners and stakeholders should feel that the company is in the right hands.

 

3. Build Lasting Relationships

Every leader needs to build a solid rapport with industry people and employees. A female leader should not hesitate to forge friendships with male colleagues at a professional level. It helps in expanding the network and learning new things from them. Also, be ready to deal with critics and detractors who will try to pull you down. You do not have to prove anything to such people and make your path.

Use your contact list in Australia to stay updated about the latest industry trends and continue to grow with their help. They can also aid in identifying new opportunities and providing support in times of need. So, get out of your comfort zone and develop a strong bond with all the significant people in your circle to gain something from them.

 

4. Keep Learning

Starting a business is only the beginning of your journey. As a female entrepreneur in an emerging business sector, you must keep improving and enhancing your skills to stay relevant and ready for the next innovation. Attend industry workshops, seminars, events and other informative conferences to increase your knowledge and identify growth opportunities.

These places are also the right platform for promoting your brand and liaising with industry people. Think out of the box and take risks to achieve your goals. Do not be afraid to make mistakes because they are the most significant lessons as an entrepreneur.

 

Conclusion

As a female leader, believe in yourself and deal with criticism positively is crucial. Do not get bogged down by the opinions of others, and never feel left out in the male-dominated industry. Use your uniqueness to carve your path and find your destination.