OXFORD Women’s Leadership Development Program
April 2024: Done!!! 🏅I completed the “Oxford Women’s Leadership Development Program” – finally received the official certificate from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford 👩🎓 6 modules in 6 weeks, with 220 female leaders from around the world, finishing numerous written assignments during late night shifts (next to the baby-monitor 🍼). It was an incredibly dense learning experience that blew my mind and enriched my understanding of leadership, especially gender-specific aspects.
Initially, I wanted to make a selfie for this post, wearing a celebratory crown instead of an academic “Oxford cap” 👑 But then I realized: F*ck the crown. Leadership is not a palace. Let’s build a revolution for inclusive organizational cultures! 🌴
My 8 key insights from the programme 💎
❤️ Self-acceptance is a key to strengthening leadership abilities: Actively taking ownership of a leadership role. And: Promoting women in leadership positions is crucial for an inclusive organizational culture.
🥶 Understanding gender bias, structural barriers, and current research on their impact on organizations is a must. However, these insights must lead to ACTION instead of paralysis a.k.a. “freeze mode”.
⭐ Attribution of strategic competencies is an important marker for the effectiveness of a leader. But: Strategy work is hardly ever attributed to women, and women do not see themselves as strategically competent. Thus, gender bias and imposter syndrome reinforce each other. We need to actively involve female leaders in strategic dialogues for a diverse and inclusive “big picture”!
🤵 Speaking of stereotypes: Negotiating as a leadership skill does not mean having to act like white men with stern faces in gray suits at large conference tables. Empathy, active listening, and highlighting needs are valuable skills in negotiation settings.
📻 Plus: Focus on Psychological Safety within a team as part of leadership work promotes productivity and engagement (no shit!).
🦋 Leadership styles can / should / must (!) change over time and adapt to new challenges. Both on an organizational and personal level.
🎙️ Clear communication and implementation strength are crucial leadership traits – I’ve previously seen them on opposite sides: “Leading vs. Operationalizing”.
🚀 Connecting personal purpose with professional leadership development supports a long-term sense of effectiveness.
A big THANK YOU to my partner who is juggling most of the care-work at home as well as dwarfs and Giants for flexible work times & the financial contribution.