I’ve asked Signature women this question: “How would you rate your own Boldness?” Typically, that score is not high―maybe you feel the same―and yet, we can take bold moves every day without rating ourselves as a “Bold” leader.
McKinsey publishes an annual report, Women in the Workplace, and 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of this research. Before we even enter 2025, with bigger headwinds for women in the workplace, it’s important to note where we did, or did not, make progress. McKinsey reports concerning data that, while we have made progress to advance women, it has not happened at a pace that makes a real difference. According to the research, White women in North America will take 22 years to reach parity in senior management roles. Women of Color will take twice that long.
The report also states that the area that made the LEAST impact in 10 years was in the “day-to-day” interactions women experience. Support from direct managers is still lacking, women’s abilities and potentials are called into question, and sexual harassment is as prevalent today as it was five years ago! Women worry it will be harder to advance in 2025! The lack of progress is astounding.
Despite these facts, women remain as ambitious as men―and for that, I am not astounded. From my observations of the 3,700 women, globally, who have graduated through a Signature program, women are flexible, resilient, determined, and much braver than they would rate themselves to be.
While the numbers in the study are disappointing, it’s more important to challenge ourselves to leave a legacy we can be proud of as women in the workplace. So, what can you do?
When I raised my children, I had a parenting philosophy that you “prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” In the business world, we have found that no one succeeds without support. This philosophy of creating independence and accountability doesn’t go far enough, and it is proven (thank you, McKinsey) to not be the right approach for women. To advance women in the workplace, we need to create more paths.
Here are some BOLD “day-to-day” actions you can take to help leave a legacy for women:
- Use your position to recognize and promote those behind you – one of the most impactful ways to change organization culture is to increase personal recognition.
- Advocate for others – identify opportunities, such as high-visibility initiatives, where their potential can be developed and recognized. Direct managers don’t do this enough, so put your own hands on the steering wheel.
- Use strong descriptors – what words are you using to describe other women? Are you using ones which evoke competence, boldness, and ability to take risks? Data shows women can do all of these things, but this is not how they are described behind closed doors. Change that narrative.
- Affirm potential – more than their strengths or accomplishments, affirm their potential. Tell them where you could see them in the future (ex. “I see you as a future GM”) to build their confidence and help them see beyond current expectations.
- Be a role model by using your voice to share your ideas and suggested actions for change – women’s confidence is increased when they see it role modeled by leaders ahead of them.
- Mentor or coach rising leaders – spend time with less experienced leaders, understanding what they care about, what they want to learn, and how you can help them.
- Respect every person’s signature – remember, no one does it just like you, but help others see their possibilities and set bold goals.
- Open your network to those behind you – make introductions so that rising leaders can learn from and build new relationships.
As 2025 approaches, people are feeling disheartened. Society feels more harsh and less forgiving. But, it is a new year, and you can make an impact. Every leader, at every level, can take actions to pave the paths for those behind them. How will you choose to move forward and make your own mark on the future?
What will your own legacy be? Come make Bold Moves with Signature, and let’s leave one we can all be proud of.
About the Author
Carol Seymour: Global Executive, Speaker, Author and Founder of Signature Leaders
Carol Seymour is a sought-after business leader and seasoned global executive of large and mid-cap size companies and private-equity backed turnarounds.
She founded Signature Leaders in 2013 which focuses on accelerating women into next level leadership and helping leaders create greater impact and influence. Signature Leaders was recognized last year as one of Inc. 5000 “Fastest Growing Private Companies”.
The Signature series of leadership offerings support the growth of women from Manager level up to and including C-suite executives. Today, more than 3000 global leaders across 6 continents have experienced a Signature program. Signature Leaders partners with more than 140 market-leading companies for their selective investments.
Carol is also a Founding Member of Paradigm for Parity and named one of the Top 40 Women Keynote Speakers for 2020 by RealLeaders Magazine.
Carol resides in Cashiers, NC. She has two married children, three granddaughters, and a grandson.
