Author: Sree Mitra
Lately, I have been reflecting on my experience working with all the amazing women and what makes them different, special. As much as I admire their “professional” qualities like time management, attention to detail, not settling for mediocre standards, what really stands out are the qualities that make women, well, women. Far from the outdated narrative that suggests women must adopt traditional qualities to succeed, I believe (or at least I would like to) that today’s workplace increasingly values the authentic strengths that women naturally embody.
The Power of Emotional Authenticity
Many women have grown up feeling comfortable expressing emotions and acknowledging feelings. It’s almost like you have the permission to express emotions (much more than men), at least in social settings. While this was once considered inappropriate in professional settings, emotional authenticity is now recognized as a leadership quality.
When I was growing through the ranks, I felt it was important for me to be always composed, cool as a cucumber. Until one of my mentors advised me to be myself, to be comfortable to express that challenges and setbacks impact me just as much.
By showing vulnerability—admitting when we don’t have all the answers or acknowledging when something is challenging—we create space for authenticity.
The Shared Human Experience
Women are often good at creating bonds through sharing their experiences. Our BFFs and sisters are our confidants, on speed dial to discuss big and small life challenges and victories. This ability to open-up and share experiences can translate into a powerful skill at work. When we bring our complete selves to professional relationships, sharing our own stories, and listening to others’ experiences, we build authentic connections that go way beyond transactional interactions.
These kinds of relationships become the foundation for collaborative innovation, mutual support during challenging projects, and the creation of networks that endure beyond individual jobs or roles. I can pick up the phone and talk to someone I haven’t interacted with in years and still feel the same level of connection – not because we were on a project or did a presentation together, but because we connected on something we cared deeply about. We shared our experiences and felt a level of camaraderie.
The Mama Bear Syndrome
The protective instinct many women feel toward those they care about—I’m sure you have heard of the “mama bear” syndrome—can be so powerful in professional settings. You show up as a fierce advocate for your team members. You are willing to provide honest feedback, even though those are difficult and uncomfortable, because you genuinely care about others’ growth. You find the courage to standup for your team and defend them and their needs.
Great mentors embody this protective quality, creating spaces where teams can take risks knowing someone has their back.
Resilience is in the DNA
Women who have experienced pregnancy and childbirth understand a particular kind of resilience—the ability to endure extreme pain and discomfort while maintaining focus on the goal. Biologically, having to go through hormonal fluctuation, pretty much throughout life (menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause) requires managing the shifting physiological and psychological demands while still making the most of life.
This resilience isn’t about enduring and suffering silently – it’s about continually adapting to navigate through challenges while progressing ahead. This resilience comes from acknowledging the strengths while also recognizing when support is needed.
Imagine this level of resilience translated into the workplace! This ability to sustain through difficult situations while maintaining a positive outlook allows women to navigate organizational changes, project setbacks, or professional disappointments with a steady focus on long-term objectives.
Creating Psychological Safety
The traditionally feminine role of homemaker—creating spaces where family members feel safe, valued, and able to be themselves—translates directly into one of the most important leadership skills: fostering psychological safety. Innumerable studies show that leaders who create environments where team members can speak up, suggest innovative ideas, admit mistakes, and bring their authentic selves to work, achieve higher productivity, innovation, and retention.
This ability to nurture both people and the spaces between them represents one of the most valuable contributions women often bring to professional settings. By recognizing, embracing and uplifting these natural strengths, women can lead authentically and unapologetically. We can bring our whole selves to our professional roles and transform workplaces for the better.