Breaking Through “Bitch”

CHAPTER 5Win Them Over: Influence

Influence is a vehicle to wield power without being blatant and women who are successful leaders use this in three different ways. They “persuade up” by establishing a shared vision, they inspire commitment by reaching out and engaging staff, and they steer critical initiatives by articulating a vision and collaborating with their delegates. Using inclusive behaviors to keep control, gain buy-in, and advance their agendas, women are sidestepping the “bitch” wall.

Studies show that executive women demonstrate influence skills more than their male peers, being a strength in 32 percent of women compared to 21 percent of men¹, indicating that this group of competencies is particularly important for women’s leadership ...