How Successful Women Set Benchmarks: Strategies, Behaviors, and Lessons for Every Professional Woman
In a world where leadership roles are still dominated by men, a growing number of women are breaking barriers, setting benchmarks, and redefining what it means to be a leader. These powerful women—like Indra Nooyi, Sheryl Sandberg, and Mary Barra—have not only achieved extraordinary success but have also paved the way for others to follow. Their journeys are a testament to the power of strategic behavior, emotional intelligence, and a deep understanding of workplace dynamics.
This article is a must-read for every professional woman who aspires to climb the corporate ladder, lead with confidence, and create opportunities for herself and others. By learning the psychology and strategies used by these successful women, you can transform your professional life and achieve your career goals.
The Benchmarks Set by Successful Women
1. Indra Nooyi (Former CEO of PepsiCo)
Indra Nooyi is celebrated for her visionary leadership and ability to balance assertiveness with empathy. She transformed PepsiCo into a global powerhouse by focusing on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration. Her ability to build strong relationships with male executives and board members was key to her success.
2. Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Meta)
Sheryl Sandberg is a vocal advocate for women in leadership. Through her book Lean In, she encourages women to take ownership of their careers, challenge biases, and build supportive networks. Her leadership style combines strategic thinking with emotional intelligence.
3. Mary Barra (CEO of General Motors)
Mary Barra, the first female CEO of a major global automaker, is known for her resilience and ability to navigate a male-dominated industry. She emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a results-driven approach.
These women didn’t just break glass ceilings—they shattered them, creating a roadmap for others to follow. So, what strategies and behaviors did they use to achieve such extraordinary success? And how can you apply these lessons to your own career?
Strategies and Behaviors of Highly Successful Women
1. Master the Art of Assertive Communication
Successful women like Indra Nooyi and Sheryl Sandberg are known for their ability to communicate clearly and confidently. They don’t shy away from expressing their ideas, but they do so in a way that commands respect rather than resistance.
-
What You Can Do: Practice speaking up in meetings, using phrases like “I recommend” or “Here’s my perspective.” Avoid downplaying your ideas with qualifiers like “just” or “maybe.”
2. Build Strong Relationships with Male Colleagues
These women understand the importance of building alliances, not rivalries. They treat male coworkers as equals and focus on collaboration rather than competition.
-
What You Can Do: Network with male colleagues, seek their input, and acknowledge their contributions. Show genuine interest in their perspectives and goals.
3. Focus on Solutions, Not Problems
Mary Barra and other successful leaders are known for their problem-solving skills. They address challenges head-on and present solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.
-
What You Can Do: When faced with a problem, come prepared with potential solutions. This demonstrates leadership potential and earns the respect of your peers.
4. Avoid Emotional Reactions
Successful women maintain their composure, even in high-pressure situations. They address conflicts professionally and avoid taking criticism personally.
-
What You Can Do: Practice emotional regulation techniques, such as deep breathing or pausing before responding. Stay calm and composed, even when others aren’t.
5. Advocate for Themselves and Others
Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In philosophy emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy. Successful women don’t wait for opportunities—they create them.
-
What You Can Do: Speak up about your career goals, achievements, and the value you bring to the organization. Don’t be afraid to ask for promotions or raises.
Behaviors to Avoid in Professional Circles
Even the most successful women have learned what not to do. Here are some behaviors to avoid:
-
Mothering or Micromanaging: Treat male coworkers as equals, not subordinates.
-
Over-Apologizing: Save apologies for genuine mistakes.
-
Downplaying Achievements: Own your successes and share them confidently.
-
Engaging in Gossip: Stay professional and avoid office politics.
-
Taking on Emotional Labor: Focus on your role and goals, not others’ emotions.
How These Strategies Benefit You
By adopting the behaviors and strategies of successful women, you can:
-
Increase Your Respect and Credibility: Earn the trust and respect of your colleagues and superiors.
-
Enhance Collaboration: Build stronger relationships with male coworkers, leading to better teamwork and productivity.
-
Unlock Leadership Opportunities: Demonstrate the qualities of a leader and position yourself for promotions.
-
Create Space for Other Women: By succeeding, you challenge stereotypes and pave the way for more women to rise.
-
Build a Supportive Network: Strong professional relationships can lead to mentorship, sponsorship, and career advancement.
A Call to Action for Every Professional Woman
The stories of Indra Nooyi, Sheryl Sandberg, and Mary Barra are not just inspiring—they are a blueprint for success. By understanding the psychology of workplace dynamics, adopting strategic behaviors, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can transform your professional life and achieve your career goals.
This article is a must-read for every working woman who wants to:
-
Gain respect and credibility in a male-dominated workplace.
-
Build strong professional relationships with male colleagues.
-
Unlock new opportunities for leadership and growth.
-
Create a legacy that empowers other women to succeed.