Mentors on Women Leadership

GWA’s mentoring program heard from experts this month about women’s leadership. A panel of Georgetown scholars discussed the status of women’s leadership in workplaces and politics in the U.S. and around the world. They also gave tips for overcoming barriers to women’s participation at the highest levels. Below are some tips about what you can do to increase your effectiveness as a leader!

Listen to our podcast (new window) for a full report from Ambassador Melanne Verveer (Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security), Professor Michele Swers (Department of Government), Professor Deborah Tannen (Linguistics Department), and Junie Nathani (Assistant VP for Leadership Resources at Georgetown).

Tips for Women Leaders

  • Ask for a promotion. Many managers assume you don’t want a promotion until you’ve vocalized it.
  • Actively network. Instead of eating lunch at your desk every day, eat with a coworker.
  • Recruit male mentors and sponsors. Often, men are in positions of power in a workplace. It’s important to have their support as you advance your career.
  • Be aware of the “double bind” women face when they speak: criticized for being too “nice” and for being too “aggressive.” Try to find a happy medium yourself, and try not to judge other women for the way they speak.
  • Educate men and boys about the importance of gender equality and why it’s in their self-interest to support women.
  • Celebrate the women in your life and those who have come before you, including the many famous women graduates of Georgetown University.

Additional Resources by Georgetown Experts