{"id":13873,"date":"2018-03-20T17:19:42","date_gmt":"2018-03-20T17:19:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/hnews.hult.edu\/?p=13873"},"modified":"2026-05-06T10:48:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T09:48:58","slug":"being-an-influential-woman","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/","title":{"rendered":"Being an influential woman: focus areas for female leaders"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There are many influential women in the world from all walks of life\u2014politics, business, sports, and the arts to name just a few. Some of these women will readily admit that luck has played a major role for them, but surely that cannot be the only answer.<\/p>\n<p>We believe that there are many things women can do to help themselves to be more influential and powerful. Today, we&#8217;ll look at four key areas that we believe women could focus on to help themselves:<strong>\u00a0influencing approach<\/strong>, <strong>reputation<\/strong>, <strong>resilience,<\/strong> and <strong>planning for the career journey<\/strong> ahead.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>Your influencing approach<\/h3>\n<p>Being influential is essentially a relationship skill. A major factor in understanding and developing your ability to be influential is to have an appreciation of your influencing style and approach.<\/p>\n<p>Most of us have a preferred way of working with others\u2014<strong>our influencing style<\/strong>. This will be based on habitual behaviors that develop because you have found that certain approaches, behaviors, and skills seem to work for you.<\/p>\n<p>So, how would you describe your preferred influencing approach? Look at the table below and try to identify your primary approach:<\/p>\n<table style=\"float: left; width: 460px; height: 241px;\" border=\"3\" cellspacing=\"15\" cellpadding=\"25\">\n<tbody>\n<tr style=\"height: 61px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 61px; width: 300px;\"><strong>Directive:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An expert-driven style where you assert your views and perspectives and expect others to follow.<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 61px; width: 300px;\"><strong>Collaborative:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A team-oriented style where your aim is to involve others in the influencing process.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"height: 61px;\">\n<td style=\"height: 61px; width: 300px;\"><strong>Persuasive reasoning:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>An issue-driven style where your main aim is to get others to buy into your ideas.<\/td>\n<td style=\"height: 61px; width: 300px;\"><strong>Inspirational:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A people-oriented style where the aim is to appeal to the emotions of others to get their buy-in.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 10px; text-align: center;\">(Extracted from Ashridge Psychometrics \u2013 Influencing Style Preferences Inventory \u2013 Workbook)<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Understanding your own natural style is important, but the real skill is to be able to flex between all four approaches to suit the situation and people you are influencing. Being aware of your influencing approach and your ability to flex this appropriately will undoubtedly contribute to the next area\u2014<strong>your reputation<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Reputation<\/h3>\n<p>Your reputation is built up over many years and is largely based on your interactions with others. This means that you must be aware of your behavior and how people perceive you.<\/p>\n<p>Take account of the language you use, how you use your voice, your body language, and the <strong>overall visual impression you create<\/strong>. But more than this, if you want to be regarded as positive and trustworthy, then you must demonstrate a range of characteristics that truly help to build this reputation.<\/p>\n<p>Look at the characteristics below. How many of these words would others use to describe you? Which of these characteristics do you feel are important for you to focus on in developing your reputation?<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<h6><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Integrity<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Sincerity<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Genuine<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Trustworthy<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Principled<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Honest<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Consistent<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Morally upright<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Speaks up and out<\/b><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<td>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Dependable<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Distinctive<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Compassionate<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Self-disclosing<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Demonstrates respect for self and others<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Acts with goodwill<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Reliable<\/b><\/h6>\n<h6><b>\u2022 Visible<\/b><\/h6>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>How do you wish to be regarded by others? Are there any other characteristics you would add to this list? To become an influential woman, you must devote time and energy to this important aspect of your life.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>The importance of being resilient<\/h3>\n<p>Resilience is something that we often take for granted until it\u2019s gone! Perhaps you&#8217;re busy studying, or at work and at home, with a little bit of stress, but then something extra happens\u2014maybe it&#8217;s money worries, family arguments, or illness that&#8217;s a trigger.<\/p>\n<p>Sometimes, on reflection, what pushes us over the edge can seem almost trivial, but it is the extra or unexpected task. Suddenly, we feel under a huge amount of pressure, which has probably been building for months and we simply didn\u2019t realize. <strong>You can develop resilience.<\/strong> There are many self-help books and guides available, but here are just two ideas that may be of value:<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a01.\u00a0Compartmentalise<br \/>\n<\/strong>This approach was taken by some of the successful women we interviewed in our book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomsbury.com\/uk\/how-to-thrive-and-survive-as-a-working-woman-9781472930644\/\"><em>How to Thrive and Survive as a Working Woman<\/em><\/a>. Essentially, it is about focus and using <strong>mindfulness<\/strong> to great effect.<\/p>\n<p>As one woman put it, \u201cWhen I am at home, that\u2019s where my focus is, totally. But when I\u2019m in the office, that takes all of my energy and interest. I find that\u2019s far better than trying to blend both\u2014then I simply end up doing nothing well!&#8221; Multitasking may be much-admired, but it can create more problems than it solves.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a02. Top up on energy levels each week<br \/>\n<\/strong>Unfortunately, trying to do too much\u2014achieving the impossible\u2014is something women are all too good at. However, it can ultimately be damaging.<\/p>\n<p>Learn when to say &#8220;<strong>No<\/strong>.&#8221; You don&#8217;t have to accept everything that comes your way. Remember, &#8220;me time&#8221; and keeping healthy are key components to maintaining energy reserves and resilience. This will help you cope and bounce back in times of stress and pressure.<\/p>\n<blockquote><p><strong>&#8220;Learn when to say &#8216;No.&#8217;<\/strong>\u00a0You don&#8217;t have to accept everything that comes your way. Look after your health, get enough sleep, eat well, and avoid too many late nights.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h3>Planning your career journey<\/h3>\n<p>Do you know where you are going with your career? Not everyone spends enough time considering this important question or on planning for the journey ahead.<\/p>\n<p>If you do reflect on what you want in your working life and understand your own values, then you are likely to achieve more. Of course, careers are not only about upward mobility. Not everyone wants to be a chief executive\u2014though we definitely look forward to the day when there are more female CEOs!<\/p>\n<p>What does make a difference though, and the advice given by many of the women we interviewed, is to <strong>be ambitious. <\/strong>As one woman put it: &#8220;<strong>Go for gold<\/strong>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>There are many people around you who will be more than willing to help with advice, expertise, and practical support\u2014perhaps as a mentor or coach. Don\u2019t make the mistake of thinking that a mentor or coach is a short-term, limited option. Think about the approach taken by top tennis players and sports personalities who often work together with their coach season after season. It\u2019s a key part of their success.<\/p>\n<p>Find ways to develop and plan your career as this will make a difference. It\u2019s never too late to begin to take charge of your own career journey.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3>In summary: 4 simple steps for improving your career<\/h3>\n<p><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13919\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/01-720x116.png\" alt=\"Step 1: influential woman\" width=\"720\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/01-720x116.png 720w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/01-500x80.png 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/01-768x123.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/01.png 778w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/>Understand your own style of influencing, and be sure to review how well you influence others around you. Your circle of influence will help develop your career\u2014you need supporters. You can also coach yourself to improve your level of influence.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13920\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/002-720x116.png\" alt=\"Step 2: influential woman\" width=\"720\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/002-720x116.png 720w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/002-500x80.png 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/002-768x123.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/002.png 778w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Make sure to ask yourself: <strong>What do others think (and say) about me? What is my reputation?<\/strong> Many of us forget to look at our image even though it follows or precedes us everywhere. Often, key decisions in organizations are made upon a &#8220;good&#8221; or &#8220;bad&#8221; reputation.<\/p>\n<p>So, would people say you are a great person to have on their team? Do you demonstrate energy and expertise? Is your reputation known to many key people in the business, or is it way below the radar?<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13921\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/003-720x116.png\" alt=\"Step 3: influential woman\" width=\"720\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/003-720x116.png 720w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/003-500x80.png 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/003-768x123.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/003.png 778w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Focus on staying healthy and do not create a constant burden on yourself with stress and overwork followed by guilt for not achieving what you think you should have done.<\/p>\n<p>Resilience means feeling comfortable with not being &#8220;perfect&#8221; all the time, or indeed being the &#8220;perfect leader&#8221; at work who never says no.<\/p>\n<p><img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-13922\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/004-720x116.png\" alt=\"Step 4: influential woman\" width=\"720\" height=\"116\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/004-720x116.png 720w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/004-500x80.png 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/004-768x123.png 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/004.png 778w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>What do you want from your career?<\/strong> Once you know that, you have something to aim for. Reach out to other women around you\u2014set up regular &#8220;lunch and learn&#8221; events to build skills, knowledge, and networking opportunities.<\/p>\n<p>Finding how to thrive and survive as a working woman is important, so make sure you take the time to invest in yourself. <strong>You are worth it.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomsbury.com\/uk\/how-to-thrive-and-survive-as-a-working-woman-9781472930644\/\"><img class=\"wp-image-13918 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/vicki.png\" alt=\"Vicki Holton\" width=\"472\" height=\"174\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/vicki.png 638w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/vicki-500x184.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 472px) 100vw, 472px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>To learn more about Hult\u2019s global programs and opportunities for career development,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/en\/brochure\/\"><strong>download a brochure<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img class=\"size-full wp-image-13950 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Fiona-Dent.jpg\" alt=\"Fiona Dent\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Fiona-Dent.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Fiona-Dent-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/en\/about-us\/faculty\/fiona-dent\/\">Fiona Elsa Dent<\/a> is an Independent Trainer, Coach, Author, and Professor of Practice. She spent 24 years on the full-time faculty at Ashridge, where she was a Client and Programme Director.\u00a0She has written eleven books, the most recent of which is: <em>How to Thrive and Survive as a Working Woman: The Coach Yourself Toolki<\/em>t (co-authored with Viki Holton)<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img class=\"size-full wp-image-13951 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Viki-Holton.jpg\" alt=\"Viki Holton\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Viki-Holton.jpg 120w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Viki-Holton-100x100.jpg 100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 120px) 100vw, 120px\" \/>Viki Holton is a Research Fellow at Ashridge Executive Education at Hult International Business School. Her interests include surveying current trends in management and management development, best practice in career development, HR, equal opportunities, and the development of women managers.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hult offers a range of highly skills-focused and employability-driven <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/en\/programs\/\">business school programs<\/a> including a range of MBA options and a comprehensive one year <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/en\/programs\/masters\/international-business\/\">Masters in International Business<\/a>. To find out more, take a look at our blog <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/preparing-for-undergraduate-life\/\">#HeadingtoHult: Preparing for undergraduate life at our global campuses<\/a>. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There are many influential women in the world from all walks of life\u2014politics, business, sports, and the arts to name just a few. Some of these women will readily admit&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":99,"featured_media":13925,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[114],"tags":[206,894,212,205],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Being an influential woman: focus areas for female leaders<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"There are influential women in the world in all walks of life\u2014politics, business, and arts to name just a few. Some of these women will admit that luck has played a role for them, but surely that cannot be the only answer. Fiona Elsa Dent and Vicki Holton look at key areas women can focus on to improve their influence.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Being an influential woman: focus areas for female leaders\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"There are influential women in the world in all walks of life\u2014politics, business, and arts to name just a few. Some of these women will admit that luck has played a role for them, but surely that cannot be the only answer. Fiona Elsa Dent and Vicki Holton look at key areas women can focus on to improve their influence.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Hult International Business School\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Hult\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2018-03-20T17:19:42+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-06T09:48:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Eye.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"778\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"453\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Hult_Business\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Hult_Business\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Hult International Business School\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Hult\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hultbusinessschool\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/hult\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/hult\",\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hult_Business\"],\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#logo\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2022\/08\/hult-social-profile.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2022\/08\/hult-social-profile.png\",\"width\":400,\"height\":400,\"caption\":\"Hult International Business School\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#logo\"}},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Hult International Business School\",\"description\":\"The latest insights and stories from Hult International Business School\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/#primaryimage\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Eye.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2018\/03\/Eye.png\",\"width\":778,\"height\":453,\"caption\":\"Influential woman\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/#webpage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/\",\"name\":\"Being an influential woman: focus areas for female leaders\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/being-an-influential-woman\/#primaryimage\"},\"datePublished\":\"2018-03-20T17:19:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-06T09:48:58+00:00\",\"description\":\"There are influential women in the world in all walks of life\u2014politics, business, and arts to name just a few. 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