By: Shay White

 In his well articulated article, Glenn Llopis, an Opportunity Expert and author of Earning Serendipity: 4 Skills for Creating and Sustaining Good Fortune in Your Work as well as several other books, reflects on the women in his life who have made such a big impact and the qualities he has seen in successful women leaders.  

He speaks of 6 traits that many women leaders in his life possess that can sometimes go undervalued in the workplace, but that allow these women to often be very successful in what they do!   

We’ve shortened the list to 3 here, so give it a read and see what natural qualities you might have (as well as others not on the list) that can make you an amazing leader! 

• Successful Women Are Opportunity Driven and Strategic 

When faced with a challenge, Llopis points out the success women have by being optimistic – “they see opportunity in everything.” Sometimes it may seem as though a it’s best to stay out of the way; however we argue for the opposite! The best leaders push boundaries and can go where no one has gone before. Look for opportunities to pitch your ideas and lead the team in a different direction. “A woman’s lens of skepticism often times forces them to see well beyond the most obvious details before them,” one of Llopis’ female mentors states. If you feel as though there are better practices out there that will make your team and company more efficient and successful, speak up! You may just get noticed for it! 

• Entrepreneurial 

Many women, Llopis writes, are entrepreneurial focused in order to see the opportunities before them. Because many have learned not to depend on others for their advancement, they have a tendency to be independent. This independent nature is a way one can “focus” on pursuits and strategize new solutions to problems. Llopis also explains that this focus entrepreneurial thinking will often allow women to power through challenges and “become potent pioneers of new possibilities.” No wonder minority women represent the largest growing segment of entrepreneurs.  

• Successful Women Are Passionate and Find Purpose In Their Work 

Lastly, we often find that women leaders are stereotypically portrayed as being more emotional compared to men – however, this shouldn’t be a bad thing! Llopis frames it as being “explorers in pursuit of excellence” and finds that the women he knows are ‘emotional’ because of the passion that drives them to do something different. This in turn can often lead to women getting significant fulfillment from their work thus inspiring others. As a leader, you should be passionate and find your purpose through your work! No one will follow you if you don’t care about the cause and people you are leading. Let your passion be an asset and make an impact on others! 

With all this in mind, we think one of the most important quotes within Llopis’ article is something that we as women should always keep in mind no matter where we go. “Great women make it a point to teach men about women.” Let your knowledge and different perspective allow you to make a difference in the workplace!  

What qualities do you find successful female leaders possess? 

* Want to continue building your leadership skills and personal connections? Consider reaching out to one of our WIL Recommended Coaches today! Click here for more information or reach out to info@womeninleadership.ca and get in touch with our community!