Don’t Give Up Even When You Can’t See the Road Ahead: 5 Leadership Lessons for Women

We’ve come a long way since the first International Women’s Day was celebrated 110 years ago. Today, women are blazing trails in every field—be it science, technology, business, or politics. In India alone, some of the most successful companies are headed by women. But to get to this point, many barriers have had to be broken; many biases, overcome.

At my first workplace, one of the questions that was inevitably asked of women interviewing for a job or promotion was whether they’d be able to balance work and family. Men were never asked this question. So, to try and counter the gender bias, I deliberately began posing the same question to every male candidate I interviewed.

In another instance, the first bank branch I worked at had only one executive restroom that was for men. Female officers were expected to use the restroom in the branch manager’s cabin. You can imagine how embarrassed we felt walking in and out of his room, often while he was in a customer meeting.

But through all these incidents, we found ways to adapt and thrive. We built successful careers and rose to the top in an industry that had traditionally been dominated by men. And along the way, I, for one, learned some key lessons that I’d like to share with you here:

1. Empower your team

When you’re one of the few women in a team, you tend to stand out. People notice when you’re not in the office. Some assume you aren’t prioritising work as much as family.

My mantra in these instances is to find a way to ensure that your absence isn’t noted, but your presence is.

How do you not draw attention to your absence? By training your team well and empowering them with all the knowledge they need; so that even when you’re not around, they’re confident enough to make the right decisions and keep things running smoothly.

But when you are at work, make your presence felt. Try and provide at least one useful suggestion at each meeting. The moment people recognise the value you bring, they will start seeing you as an asset to the workplace.

2. Hard work will prevail

Time and again, women have demonstrated that we can do any job just as well as men. But we’re still sometimes overlooked for certain opportunities because of our gender.

At one point, I was considered for the role of overseeing the bank’s AGM balance sheet—a prestigious position indeed. But in the end, I did not get that role, because as a woman, I “couldn’t be expected to work late and stay overnight in the office” during the quarterly audits.

But through it all, I worked hard to prove myself. And soon, my reputation began to precede me. People wanted me on their teams because they knew I would deliver.

That’s when I learned the importance of creating a solid reputation for yourself to counter gender biases. If you’re known as someone people can count on, you will be picked and pushed into exciting new opportunities.

3. Be assertive

The professional world often teaches women that to be successful, we need to adopt seemingly ‘masculine’ behaviours like aggression. I certainly did when I was the branch manager of a bank in Kharagpur which was notorious for its highly unionised workforce. Whenever customers raised a complaint—and there were many—the staff would go at them like a pack of wolves. And the only way I could make myself heard was by shouting.

Eventually, I found a creative solution to customer complaints. And by the time I left three years later, the bank’s rating had improved significantly. But the aggressive style of communication I’d picked up stayed with me.

Much later, during a training session at work, we watched a video of ourselves in a group discussion, and I was shocked at how forceful my body language had become. There I was in the video, leaping up to make myself heard, and shutting other people down. I knew then it was time to change.

What gets you to a certain point won’t necessarily take you to another. So, if someone says you’re too aggressive, try not to dismiss their opinion outright. Examine it for truth, and look for better ways to respond in situations. Sometimes, you have to be forceful to make yourself heard. But try not to make a habit of it.

4. Stay focused

When the needs of family collide with work, it’s often women who end up making compromises around their careers. But I always tell my female colleagues, “Don’t fall off the workforce ladder. Stay the course, and things will usually work themselves out.”

I learned this first-hand when I was transferred to Lucknow as general manager of the bank. It seemed like a great opportunity, but I was worried that the city wouldn’t have an appropriate school for my special-needs daughter. Crushed, I considered quitting—till one of my mentors suggested that I at least give the Lucknow posting a shot before making any major decisions.

So, I did—and almost immediately, things began falling in place. I found one of the best schools my daughter has ever attended. Plus, my new colleagues were incredibly helpful, stepping in to care for my daughter whenever I had to work late.

I realised then that giving up should never be an option. Even when there appears to be no solution in sight, keep going—a way will open up. It’s like driving on the highway at night—you can only see as far as the headlights go. But as you move forward, the road lights up.

5. Prioritise yourself

As women, we’re so busy juggling multiple responsibilities at work and home that it’s easy to neglect our health. I certainly did. But it didn’t seem to matter back then because I felt indestructible—like Teflon. Nothing could possibly happen to me.

Today, I know there’s a price to pay for not looking after your health when you’re younger. Since turning 40, I try and start each day with some yoga, as well as a 3km walk. I also make sure to cleanse, tone, and moisturise my skin every night—even if I get home at 3am.

Find a wellness routine that works for you. Change habits that aren’t serving your body and mind well. By making healthier choices, you’re likely to feel lighter, brighter, and stronger.

Onward and upward

Around the world, women are shattering glass ceilings, busting myths, and driving tremendous change. I, for one, am excited to be part of this movement. And I can’t wait to see what we continue to accomplish together.

Also Read:

Inside the Heads of Women: What’s the Strangest Question You’ve Been Asked throughyour Career?