The Power of Influence: Gaining Buy-In as a Fearless Female Leader

Influence is one of the most powerful skills a leader can have. As women, however, it’s easy to feel that we have to work twice as hard to gain the same level of buy-in. 

• Visibility and Advocacy: Women are 25% less likely than men to advocate directly for their own initiatives at the board level due to concerns about being perceived as overly self-promotional or self-interested (Catalyst, 2020). This hesitancy can impact the perceived value of their proposals and limit the level of buy-in they receive compared to male counterparts who are more willing to assert their ideas directly.
• Impact on Proposal Approval Rates: An EY survey showed that 48% of women in executive roles have had strategic proposals declined by the board at a higher rate than men, often due to perceived "risk" or "ambition" biases that question the feasibility or long-term impact of the proposed changes. This “confidence gap” in the boardroom can lead to missed opportunities for innovation and growth.

The truth is, influence is less about asserting yourself and more about strategically aligning your vision with the needs and goals of those around you. In "The Fearless Female Leader," I share practical insights to help you expand your influence authentically, so you can lead impactful change without compromising your values.

Throughout my career, I’ve coached countless executives who felt sidelined or unsupported in pushing forward initiatives they were deeply passionate about. The key to changing this isn’t about “playing politics” or “being more assertive.” Instead, it’s about mastering the art of connecting your goals to what matters most to your stakeholders, whether it’s the board, the CEO, or your team.

3 Key Elements for Expanding Your Influence

1. Listen to What Truly Matters to Others
   Influence begins with understanding. Take the time to genuinely listen to the priorities and concerns of the people you need buy-in from. This approach builds trust and creates a foundation for aligning your vision with theirs. 
2. Build Credibility Through Consistency
   Leaders who consistently deliver on their promises are those who gain the most influence. Make it a point to follow through on commitments, even the small ones. Over time, this builds a track record that people can rely on.
3. Present Solutions, Not Just Ideas
   When pitching a new initiative, frame it as a solution to an existing challenge. Show how it aligns with organizational goals or addresses current needs. This strategy demonstrates that you’re not only capable of identifying issues but also committed to solving them.

Another stark fact is:

Women on boards or in executive roles are 54% less likely than men to have mentors who actively coach them on influencing board members and navigating board dynamics (Lean In, 2022). This mentorship gap contributes to challenges in building the strategic alliances needed to gain buy-in effectively.

If you’re ready to enhance your influence and create meaningful change, I’d love to connect with you to discuss how I can support your journey in gaining buy-in and having an even greater impact

Cheering you on always,

Sheryl