Key factors influencing women's networking preferences

Women, Want to Network Like a CEO? Start by Rethinking the “Old Boys’ Club” Playbook Research from Kellogg shows that women gain the most in networking when they don’t just copy traditional male-dominated strategies. Instead, the best results come when women focus on strategic alliances with other women — but with a twist. This study is more than a “fix the women” story; it highlights systemic gaps in career networking that women can actively navigate and reshape. Here's the playbook for women that I recommend: 🔹 Go Beyond “Visibility”: Central networks matter for everyone, but women benefit most from building connections that share private insights essential for navigating biased structures. These insights, often from trusted women colleagues, can make all the difference in understanding workplace nuances, including the politics and protocols that are frequently unsaid. 🔹 Diversify Close Connections: Avoid echo chambers by connecting with well-networked women who bring unique perspectives from other workplaces, industries and sectors. This diversity amplifies exposure to insights outside of a narrow view, enabling women to approach career challenges with a broader, more strategic lens. 🔹 Invest in a Balanced Network: Successful businesswomen cultivate visibility and depth in their networks — relationships that provide access and specific, actionable guidance. Women can follow this approach by building wide-ranging connections and trusted relationships, offering invaluable, gender-specific career advice. 🔑 Leadership Call to Action 1. Support strategic networks that give women access to public and private information. 2. Host events that encourage diverse, meaningful, strategic mentorships and sponsorships. 3. Coach women to prioritise networking as a core career-building activity—strategically and persistently—because effective networks don’t just happen; they are cultivated with purpose. 4. Provide women with training on building and leveraging a strategic network, in person and online. Further Resources in first comment👇 #Networking #Mentorship #Diversity

Can we talk about why women's networks look different? 🤔 Because here's what I've noticed (and the research backs this up): We're depth-over-breadth networkers. Which isn't bad - those deep connections are GOLD. But we also need variety in our networks. We tend to connect with people who look like us, are at similar career levels, and earn similar salaries. Again, not terrible, but we're missing out on the power of diverse perspectives and opportunities. We invest HEAVILY in our relationships (as we should!) but then feel weird about asking for referrals or introductions. Like, we'll bend over backward to help someone, but asking them to connect us with their colleague? Suddenly we're all "Oh, I don't want to bother them." 🙄 And here's another thing - we simply have less TIME. Between work, family, and everything else on our plates, networking often gets pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Understanding these patterns isn't about beating ourselves up. It's about being strategic and building a strong diverse network to support, and who can support you when you need it! P.S. If this landed with you, give it a share - there's probably some women in your network who need to hear this too! 🥰

The saying “It’s not what you know, but who you know” still holds true for career progression, but for women, building those all-important connections comes with extra hurdles. Research published in the Academy of Management Journal, highlighted by Harvard Business Review, shows that women face greater barriers than men when it comes to forming high-status networks. One striking finding? Women are 40% less likely than men to form strong ties with senior leaders after face-to-face interactions. Traits like assertiveness and confidence—often linked with leadership—are judged through a traditional gendered lens, which means women's and other marginalised genders contributions can be overlooked. So, what’s the solution? Women can leverage third-party introductions, which often carry implicit endorsement and help sidestep these biases. In fact, the research shows women are more likely than men to succeed in building high-status networks through shared contacts. Organisations also need to step up by creating network sponsorship programmes, where leaders don’t just mentor women—they actively advocate for them, opening doors and making introductions that help women advance. It’s time for organisations to rethink how they approach networking. By fostering more inclusive, proactive strategies, we can break down barriers and create a level playing field for women to build the connections that will drive their careers forward. Let’s turn "who you know" into an opportunity for everyone. #Networking #GenderEquity #ThreeBarriers

New Insights on Networking Strategies for Female Executives The journey to the top for female executives often faces hurdles due to limited access to informal networks. But, a groundbreaking study led by Inga Carboni from William & Mary’s Mason School of Business unveils key strategies that successful women employ to build robust networks. **Efficiency: They're masters of time management, understanding that every 'yes' necessitates a 'no' elsewhere. Prioritization and streamlined communication are their allies. *Nimbleness: Instead of solely relying on existing connections, they forge new relationships aligned with their goals, ensuring adaptability in an ever-evolving landscape. **Boundary-spanning: They bridge divides, connecting across functions, geographies, and business units. This diversity in connections fuels innovation and fosters growth. ***Energy Balance: They blend competence with warmth, leveraging emotional intelligence to build trust and drive performance. These behaviours aren't just advantageous for individual career progression; they're essential for organizational success. #WomenInLeadership #NetworkingStrategies #CareerAdvancement #Innovation #DiversityAndInclusion

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 & 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘀 Ever noticed how men and women network differently? Women build deep, trust-based connections (think coffee chats), while men focus on quick, strategic exchanges (like power lunches and handshakes). Neither is better, but if you’re a female leader aiming for executive roles, you need to network strategically. Here’s how to network with confidence—without losing your authentic style. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗗𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆—𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗨𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 Networking is a crucial tool for career growth. For mid-level female leaders, understanding these differences helps refine your strategy and break through the glass ceiling. 1. 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝘃𝘀. 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 Women prioritise mentorship and support, while men focus on exchanging favours and referrals. Takeaway: Relationship-building is a strength, but leverage it for career growth. 2. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗽 & 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Women often wait for recognition instead of actively showcasing achievements, whereas men confidently highlight their successes. Takeaway: You deserve a seat at the table—claim it by advocating for yourself. 3. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗵? Men build hierarchical networks with senior leaders, while women form diverse networks that may lack decision-makers. Takeaway: Be intentional about networking upward. Seek out senior leaders and executive sponsors. 4. 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 Women prefer trust-based networking through coffee chats and small groups, while men attend industry events and formal business gatherings. Takeaway: High-level visibility is non-negotiable. Prioritise attending events, speaking on panels, and positioning yourself as a thought leader. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 Women network well, but strategic, visible, and self-promotional networking is essential for leadership success. Ready to refine your networking strategy and step into leadership? Repost for the women in your network.

Why do we still need women only networking forums in todays hyper-connected world? When Forbes India spoke to #LeadLikeHer founders, we talked about why women network differently and the unique challenges women's networks are addressing today. Here are some excerpts from my talk with Forbes India and the insightful article that brings focus on the grass root level work being done by communities like #LeadLikeher and many others. (View are my own). Women seek out social connections but we hesitate in pursuing a strategic networking roadmap. One of the underlying reasons is that we are wired to understate our achievements and we can be brutally self critical about our successes. The March 2024 article published in the Harvard Business Review titled "How Women Can Build High status Networks" (based on the research paper by Carla Rua-Gomez, Gianluca Carnabuci and Martin Goosesen), shines a light on challenges women face in building high status connections at the workplace and why it is easier for men to do so. The authors quote : "There is a pervasive, culturally encoded reliance on assertiveness and self confidence as proxies for competence in face-to-face interactions." They explain how traditionally masculine behaviors have become the yardstick for measuring potential and performance. These become natural barriers for women to thrive, who may demonstrate traits differently or may be penalized for displaying the more assertive behaviors. Women network differently because they have learnt to navigate these challenges and need different strategies then men to achieve their professional goals through networking. There is also extensive research that underlines the need for Sponsorship. Studies show that women benefit less from direct interactions with senior connections as compared to men. The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap report shows that access to sponsors is the one key barrier to advancing women in the corporate world. (https://lnkd.in/gx_B8rGY). "Mentors speak to you, and sponsors speak for you." Networking in the relevant forums can give women in the corporate world the platform to attract the right sponsors which may prove critical to their career success. Women on an entrepreneurial journey also have a lot to gain from professional networks. Women entrepreneurs are being tested every day as they look at growing their business, attracting investors or acquiring new clients. Network connections, particularly those operating in their target niche can provide access, opportunities and visibility to women founders. Whether you look at anecdotal experience or empirical research, we can conclude that the need for women-only networks continues to be strong. #womennetworks #leadlikeher #womenleaders #DEI #genderdiversity Garima Dhamija