6 Leadership Tips for Women Who Lead Teams (or Aspire To)

The Numbers Are Moving — But Not Fast Enough

Women hold about 32% of top leadership positions globally, up from 21% a decade ago. Progress? Yes. Enough? Not even close. Organizations with strong female representation in leadership outperform across the board — better DEI, stronger workplace culture, and improved business outcomes.

Whether you're on your way up or already leading a team, here are six strategies to boost your impact.

1. Practice a Leadership Mindset Before You Have the Title

Leadership isn't a title — it's a behavior. Take ownership of outcomes, volunteer for cross-functional projects, and bring solutions instead of just problems. The people who get promoted into leadership roles are the ones who were already leading before anyone gave them permission.

2. Stop Letting Perfectionism Hold You Back

Research shows women tend to only apply for positions they're 100% qualified for, while men apply at 60%. That gap isn't about competence — it's about perfectionism and fear of failure. The fastest way to grow is to put yourself in situations where you might not have all the answers yet. That's not reckless — that's how careers accelerate.

3. Ignore the Skeptics

Women are disproportionately subject to social pressures that reinforce stereotype-based expectations. The most effective response isn't to fight every battle — it's to let your results speak louder than anyone's doubts. Use setbacks as fuel, not stop signs.

4. Build Your Confidence Like a Muscle

Confidence isn't something you're born with. It's something you build. Start by writing down every win, every week — from small victories to major milestones. Review the list regularly. This creates hard evidence that silences your inner critic and prepares you for the next time you need to advocate for yourself.

5. Watch Your Language

Words like "just," "kind of," and "almost" undermine your credibility. "This is just a small idea, but..." signals self-doubt before you've even shared the idea. Over the next week, notice your hedging language and start cutting it. Say what you mean without the qualifiers.

6. Make Your Work Visible

Self-advocacy isn't bragging — it's strategic communication. If key decision-makers don't know about your contributions, they can't advocate for your advancement. Share your wins in meetings, update your leadership on project outcomes, and make sure your LinkedIn reflects the full scope of your impact.

Ready to make your leadership visible where it matters most? Get your LinkedIn audited by Avery and make sure your profile positions you as the leader you are.