It’s Not Because You’re a Woman…

Summary

• I observed a capable female leader struggling with a team member, Jimmy, who wasn't responsive to her. She believed it was due to gender bias.
• It's important to assess and address perceptions of bias critically. In this case, the issue might not have been gender-related.
• I explained to her that she might have unintentionally trained Jimmy to rely on her by completing tasks for him when he didn't fulfill his duties.
• Effective delegation involves allowing others to take responsibility and face the consequences of not completing tasks.
• To be respected as a leader, it's crucial to set clear boundaries and expectations with your team.
• By consistently stepping in, we prevent others from learning and growing in their roles.
• Reflect on your actions: Are you rescuing others too quickly and undermining your position as a leader?
• Empower your team by holding them accountable and resisting the urge to take over their responsibilities.

Video

How To Take Action

I would suggest implementing clear communication strategies in your team. Start by setting specific expectations for each task, so everyone knows their responsibilities. Make sure your team understands that each person must complete their work and face the consequences if not.

A good way of doing this is by holding regular meetings where you discuss task progress and any obstacles. This way, you can identify issues before they become problems, helping your team become more accountable without you stepping in.

Reflect on your behavior as a leader. Are you assuming duties that belong to others because it seems faster or easier? If so, resist the urge to do so. Allow your team members to solve problems on their own. This might mean tasks aren’t completed perfectly the first time, but mistakes are part of the learning process.

Another strategy is to provide constructive feedback. Encourage your team by discussing what can be improved rather than taking over. Support them in finding solutions and learning from their mistakes.

Focus on building your team’s confidence. Give them opportunities to succeed independently. Recognize their efforts and improvements, even if they don’t get everything right initially.

Remember, empowering others by letting them grow and become responsible will enhance their skills and respect for your leadership, moving past any perceived bias and fostering a more effective work environment.