Global Women's Leadership Network - Pink Paper

#2 Develop and implement a confidence development plan, with support from trusted others GWLN members suggest that, just like a personal career plan, women can implement a confidence development plan that helps them tackle new challenges and risks that provide them with growth experiences. Others recommend identifying personal activities outside of work that are challenging and can directly translate to bringing confidence back into boardrooms. Activities can be wide-ranging but should challenge women with an eye toward intentionally bringing this growth, confidence, and self-esteem back into the workplace. #3 Explore and request organizational support for individual therapy, spiritual counseling, and other interventions Although not widely or equitably available, individual services such as therapy, spiritual counseling, and other interventions can be tremendously beneficial to helping women improve their confidence and self-esteem. GWLN members shared that they uncovered patterns of self-doubt and behaviors that held them back from seeking leadership opportunities. Some said that having a trusted, trained, professional companion for this work was essential to stay focused and accountable to the oftentimes difficult self-exploration. ISSUE #5: CONFRONT RACIAL INJUSTICE AND HARASSMENT GWLN members shared stories of racial bias and sexual harassment, as well as receiving comments on their personal appearance. Sometimes these events were experienced early in women’s careers, yet the emotional scars have endured. Sadly, stories like these are not just relics of the past. One executive shared about confronting inappropriate sexual comments made recently. GWLN members say that a large part of the problem is executive leadership teams and boards that are not diverse, because they permit implicit bias and unconscious stereotyping within credit unions. Women of color continue to experience frequent microaggressions and unconscious bias. 2021 GWLN Pink Paper | 19 “I SILENCE my self-doubts.” One leader suggests, when attending conferences and meetings, “Get up there and say something early, get a little more moxy. Once you’ve found your voice, you can keep your voice.” PERSONAL CONFIDENCE PLAN In combination with other interventions, encourage women to make a plan to identify specific activities that challenge their confidence. Activities can vary but should push an edge without creating distress. “They’re sometimes subtle, but just as powerful to the person receiving them.” “I’ve been subject to sexual harassment by male leaders who questioned whether I earned my promotions. It can really shake your belief system in yourself. Did I really earn this, or were [they] expecting something? This was one of the hardest points of my career.”