Success for women: Coaching has a strengthening effect
Do you have the potential to exert more influence in your working environment? With management coaching, you as a woman can take concrete steps to build on your strengths and master the challenges in your professional life.
The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 shows that we still have a long way to go. According to the report, it will be another 134 years before gender parity is achieved worldwide. Wow, that's a long time that the granddaughters of today's schoolchildren may live to see. We are moving very slowly in Germany and around the world, and current political trends are ensuring that development continues to stall.
Women in management positions often face unique challenges. They operate in structures that have historically been shaped by men, encounter unconscious prejudices and often balance professional and private commitments.
On average, women do 77 minutes more care work per day - time that cannot be invested in their careers.
Assertiveness is often viewed negatively by women
Furthermore, women in management positions are not only confronted with more difficult social conditions, but also with more subtle obstacles such as distorted perceptions.
Studies show that identical behavior is evaluated differently by women and men. While men are praised for assertiveness, the same characteristic is often interpreted as aggressiveness or inappropriateness in women.
In this complex context, leadership coaching offers a powerful opportunity to strengthen women individually and to accompany them on their way into or through leadership roles.
"Such biases make it difficult for women to assert themselves in male-dominated management structures," says Darina Doubravova, Head of the pme Academy. "Executive coaching not only offers women the opportunity to build on their individual strengths, but also to develop strategies to overcome structural barriers."
Why women should be coached by women
Coaching by women for women creates a special basis of trust and promotes a deep understanding of the reality of life for female managers. Female coaches who have or have had leadership responsibility themselves know the challenges that women experience in male-dominated structures. This understanding creates empathy and makes it possible to work at eye level.
"We have been offering virtual group coaching sessions specifically for women in management positions for around five years. These are always fully booked. For me, this is a sign that the topic is still highly relevant," says Darina Doubravova.
The female coaches have a deep understanding of gender-specific challenges and barriers, which is particularly valuable in group dynamics.
The common gender and shared experiences create a basis of trust that enables the women to talk openly about their insecurities, experiences and goals. This supportive atmosphere encourages exchange and strengthens the participants' self-confidence.
"In these group coaching sessions, women in management positions act as role models. They show that leadership and authenticity are not contradictory," explains Doubravova. "They share their experiences to show women that it is normal to encounter obstacles and that these challenges can be overcome to advance their own careers."
Coaching is even more effective when it is carried out by women who have management experience themselves and know the reality of the company at first hand. These coaches not only bring their expertise to the table, but also a deep understanding of the specific dynamics and challenges that women face in the world of work.
Why do women seek coaching?
There are many reasons why women take advantage of coaching: "Some women work in very male-dominated environments and still have to deal with inappropriate comments and stereotypes. Younger women want to increase their promotion skills as they often experience being overtaken by their male colleagues," says Darina Doubravova, who works as a manager herself and also acts as a coach for women.
"We also see many women in management positions who are going through the menopause. Given that the average age of managers is around 50, this is a challenging phase of life for many women," says Doubravova.
A third of women reduce their working hours due to the menopause. "Our specialized coaching offers unique support during this time in order to be healthy, resilient and successful in a leadership role," says Doubravova. "In addition, women come to us with the goal of being a good leader - both for their team and for their company."
The advantages of individual coaching
- Individual coaching by female coaches with management responsibility offers customized support to help women on their individual path.
- Female coaches know the realities of the corporate world and can develop practical, implementable strategies.
- Women are encouraged to develop their own leadership personality instead of being guided by male role models.
- With their experience from corporate practice, female coaches help to make strategic decisions and build networks.
The advantages of group coaching
Group coaching led by experienced female coaches offers additional benefits:
- Women learn that they are not alone with their challenges and benefit from the experiences and solutions of other participants.
- Coaches share their own experiences and best practices, which opens up new perspectives and encourages the participants.
- The dynamic of the group promotes a sense of community and strengthens self-confidence.
Why companies should promote coaching by female coaches
- Coaching by experienced female managers is not only valuable for the participants, but also a strategic advantage for companies. Female coaches authentically show how women can be successful in management positions and thus act as multipliers for a diverse corporate culture.
- Coaching programs that are specifically tailored to women help to establish a modern, gender-sensitive management culture.
- Companies that specifically promote women thus increase their attractiveness for female talent and position themselves as pioneers in terms of equal opportunities.