As women, we bring something special to the leadership table, especially when it comes to handling conflict. The Center for Creative Leadership found that we’re 40% more likely to use collaborative approaches during disputes and 35% more likely to seek understanding before taking action. I know I strive for this with clients and colleagues (and am still working on it with my husband Michael – apparently, “collaborative problem-solving” isn’t always the best approach when deciding on a Netflix show!).
But let’s talk about the challenges too. Despite our skills, women still hold only 24% of C-suite roles, a number that drops to just 4% for women of color. It’s not just statistics – it’s lived experiences. I recently worked with a senior executive who, despite leading her division to record profits, constantly had to justify her collaborative problem-solving approach.
Sound familiar? Research shows these extra hurdles are common, but they’ve also led us to develop remarkably effective communication and conflict resolution strategies.
