30 years in the police and 5 in cyber security connected to the police- what was I thinking? I’d come from a career as a store manager for River Island and Top Shop where women were in the majority and thrown myself headlong into a male dominated environment. As us women advance in our careers, particularly in leadership roles they often encounter a unique set of challenges. One of the most obvious struggles is the feeling of not being heard. I’m often sat in a room of peers where I’m the most qualified and experienced (and often the oldest!) yet the most ‘ignored’. I’ve had things ‘mansplained’ to me and my feedback has been returned to me with contrary and condescending comments, yet I still feel it’s important to try and break that glass ceiling. As a result, I sought promotion throughout my 30+ years so that I could gain the seniority of rank and role that would be listened to. I’m an innovative person who likes to try new things and my job satisfaction came from making new things work well so it’s really important to me to be heard.
The societal expectations, unconscious biases, and professional dynamics especially in a rank culture can make it difficult for senior women to fully assert their authority and influence. More specifically, within the police and cyber security industry where men have historically held the majority of leadership positions, finding a voice and commanding respect can feel like an uphill battle.
So, how can senior female leaders overcome this?
- Master Your Communication Skills: Implementing clear and concise communication is crucial, especially in leadership positions. An ability to command a room is not an easy task but practice presentations and speeches out loud and they will flow better.
- Support Your Ideas with Data and Evidence: Data-driven decisions are a powerful tool, the more you can back up your ideas with evidence, research or measurable outcomes, the stronger your position becomes. Pictures and graphs paint a 1000 words and cannot be misunderstood.
- Build a Supportive Network: Surrounding yourself with a strong network of allies, mentors and like-minded professionals can make a huge difference. These connections can offer invaluable advice, advocacy, and even amplify your voice when it’s needed most. If you’re in a minority then seek support by making individual connections outside of large meetings. Win people over outside of the meeting.
- Set Boundaries: Senior women often face the challenge of balancing work demands with personal life, but to maintain credibility and avoid burnout, it’s important to set boundaries both at work, and at home. You don’t have to work harder or longer than your male colleagues simply smarter- use scheduled send on email, send holding e mails to enquiries automatically, mark any busy time in your diary including travel time and thinking time. More importantly learn to say no, even to the boss- it does work when you don’t do it all the time!
The Power of Mentorship and Role Models
In an ideal world, every senior woman would have a supportive network and access to mentorship, but it’s not always the case. That’s why it’s essential for women to build these support systems and create opportunities for others to follow. Leadership isn’t just about leading the way; it’s about paving the way for future generations of women in leadership positions. I have built a network of senior women associates over the years that I can call, moan to, seek support and run things past. More importantly I do it for others.
The road to being heard as a senior woman may not always be smooth, but every step forward is a step toward dismantling barriers for future generations. Through clear communication, assertiveness, mentorship, and building a strong network, women can ensure that their voices resonate loudly and with authority in the rooms they occupy. It’s time to redefine leadership and create a future where women are truly heard and respected for the powerful leaders they are, no matter what industry they are in. Happy International Women’s Day!e, no matter what industry they are in. Happy International Women’s Day!
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