How can I prepare for a promotion into a leadership role?

Start by evaluating your current role, taking on additional responsibilities and seeking out informal leadership opportunities. Build a clear personal development plan, ask for feedback on your leadership potential and focus on developing skills such as communication, strategic thinking and decision making.

What skills do women need to move into leadership positions?

Key skills include strategic thinking, communication, influencing, emotional intelligence, resilience and the ability to manage relationships and office politics. Developing a clear personal brand and confidence in your leadership style is also essential for promotion.

How important is networking for progressing into leadership as a woman?

Networking is critical. Building relationships with decision makers, mentors and peers increases your visibility and influence. A strong network helps you hear about opportunities early, gain sponsorship for promotion and position yourself as a credible future leader.

How can I build my personal brand as a future woman leader?

Define what you stand for, your strengths and your leadership style, then show this consistently in how you communicate and deliver your work. Share your achievements, contribute in meetings, volunteer for strategic projects and make sure colleagues understand the value you bring.

How does Women of Our Time support women who want to move into leadership?

Women of Our Time offers a Strategic Leadership Programme, one to one coaching, mentoring and support with personal development planning and personal brand building. These services help women identify their strengths, close skills gaps and navigate workplace politics so they can step confidently into leadership roles.

How Women Can Progress to Leadership Roles at Work : Empowering Women to Lead with Confidence

Women of our Time
May 8
6 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

A woman in pink stands confidently with a superhero shadow. Text reads "Women of Our Time" in bold black letters inside a red oval.

Women Leadership Roles at Work

Many women in the workplace aspire to move into leadership roles, but often find themselves unsure of how to make that transition. Whether it’s navigating workplace politics, understanding how to promote themselves effectively, or identifying the right skills to develop, the path to leadership can seem daunting.

However, the journey to becoming a leader is not only possible—it’s within your reach. At the Women at Work Support Hub, we’re committed to helping you unlock your potential, prepare for a promotion, and confidently step into leadership positions.

Preparing for Promotion: Building the Foundation for Success

One of the first steps in progressing to a leadership role is preparing for the promotion you desire. It’s not enough to simply be good at your job—you need to actively position yourself as a strong candidate for the leadership role you want. Here are some key steps you can take:

Evaluate Your Current Role:

Take a step back and assess where you are in your current role. Are you taking on additional responsibilities? Are you seeking out leadership opportunities, even in a smaller capacity? Leadership is often about taking initiative and showing that you can handle more than what your current role demands.

Build a Robust Personal Development Plan (PDP):

A strong PDP is essential to identifying where you currently stand and where you want to go. This plan should include a self-assessment of your skills, identifying any gaps, and laying out specific actions to close those gaps. For example, if you’re seeking to move into a senior leadership position, you may need to develop skills in financial management, strategic thinking, or team leadership. Having a PDP will help you set actionable goals and provide a clear roadmap for your professional development.

Seek Feedback:

Ask for feedback from colleagues, mentors, and managers. This feedback will be invaluable in identifying areas where you excel and areas where you need improvement. It also demonstrates that you are open to growth, which is an essential quality for leaders.

Develop New Skills:

Leadership often requires skills that go beyond your current job responsibilities. Identify the skills that will be critical for the role you want to step into. Whether it’s enhancing your communication skills, becoming proficient in financial analysis, or improving your decision-making capabilities, focus on skills that will prepare you for a strategic role.

The Power of Your Network: Influencing and Promoting Yourself:

One of the most important elements of progressing to a leadership position is your network. In the workplace, many promotions are influenced by who you know and how you position yourself within the organisation:

Use Your Influence: A significant part of leadership is influencing others. This means using your network to elevate your visibility, build relationships, and demonstrate your leadership potential. Cultivate relationships with key decision-makers and other influential figures within the organisation. Attend events, volunteer for high-profile projects, and actively engage with your colleagues and superiors. The more you demonstrate your leadership capabilities, the more likely you’ll be considered for promotion.
Promote Your Personal Brand: Your personal brand is essential to your professional success. As a woman aiming for a leadership position, it’s crucial to define what you stand for and make sure others are aware of it. What is your leadership style? What are your core values? What are your strengths? By actively promoting your brand and making sure it aligns with the leadership qualities that your organisation values, you increase your chances of moving into a leadership position.

Your personal brand is a reflection of who you are and what you can bring to the organisation. Make sure you are consistent in demonstrating your value, whether in meetings, one-on-one conversations, or through your work. People need to know what you stand for and what makes you a strong leader.

Mindset: Developing the Confidence to Lead

As you work toward advancing to a leadership role, mindset will play a crucial role. You may have the skills and experience, but the right mindset will set you apart from others.

Believe in Your Potential:

One of the biggest challenges for women in the workplace is overcoming self-doubt. Imposter syndrome—the feeling that you don’t deserve your success—can prevent you from stepping into leadership roles. However, true leaders believe in their abilities, take on challenges, and own their accomplishments.

Be Resilient:

The journey to leadership will involve challenges and setbacks. How you handle these challenges is key. Resilience and perseverance are vital qualities for leaders. Developing these traits will help you bounce back from setbacks and maintain a positive attitude through tough situations.

Embrace Strategic Thinking:

A key trait of great leaders is the ability to think strategically—seeing the bigger picture and planning for the long term. Start by asking yourself how your role fits into the larger goals of the organization. How can you contribute to the company’s vision, mission, and objectives? Cultivate a mindset that focuses on growth, opportunity, and creating value for both your team and the company.

Navigating Workplace Culture and Politics:

Navigating workplace culture and politics can often feel like an obstacle for women aiming for leadership roles. Understanding office dynamics, managing relationships, and ensuring you are not overlooked for promotions are all challenges women face:

Understand the Culture:

Every workplace has its own culture, and understanding it is essential to moving forward. Is your organisation more hierarchical, or is it a flat structure where everyone has a say? Understanding the power dynamics and informal rules will help you better position yourself for success.

Learn to Navigate Office Politics:

Office politics can sometimes feel like a game you don’t want to play, but it’s often an unavoidable part of getting ahead. By being aware of the key players and understanding how decisions are made, you can advocate for yourself and your team without compromising your values.

Assert Yourself with Confidence:

When navigating office politics, it’s important to assert yourself confidently. Speak up in meetings, take the lead on projects, and make sure your contributions are visible. Women often face challenges in being seen as authoritative without being labeled negatively. However, by balancing assertiveness with empathy, you can confidently claim your space as a leader.

How We Can Help: Our Support for Your Leadership Journey

At the Women at Work Support Hub, we offer coaching, mentoring, and training to help you navigate the journey to leadership. Here’s how we can support you:

Strategic Leadership Programme: Our Strategic Leadership Programme is designed specifically for women who want to develop the skills and mindset required for senior leadership positions. This programme covers leadership strategy, influencing skills, emotional intelligence, and how to thrive in high-level roles.
Mentoring and Coaching: Our expert mentors and coaches can help you identify your strengths, develop a roadmap for promotion, and build the confidence you need to lead. With personalised guidance, you’ll be equipped to handle workplace politics, navigate career challenges, and step into a leadership role.
Personal Development Plan (PDP): We help you build a robust PDP that identifies your knowledge and skills gaps, and design concrete actions to close those gaps. Whether it’s leadership training, communication skills, or strategic thinking, we’ll provide resources and support to help you grow.
Support with Personal Brand Development: We can help you develop and promote your personal brand so that you’re seen as a leader in your organization. Whether it’s refining your communication style or promoting your successes, we’ll ensure you’re positioned as the leader you aspire to be.

Your Leadership Journey Starts Here

Progressing to a leadership role isn’t just about having the right skills—it’s about having the right mindset, strategy, and support. By understanding your purpose, developing a robust plan, and leveraging your network, you can take actionable steps toward becoming the leader you want to be. At the Women at Work Support Hub, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey, visit our Strategic Leadership Programme page to learn more and get started today.