12 Habits Holding You Back: Lessons from "How Women Rise" by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith

How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back 

As more and more women move into leadership roles, it is important to find the habits that might be holding you back from reaching your full potential and break them. "How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back" by Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith looks at the usual things that keep women from getting to the top of their jobs. 

Let me summarise the 12 habits that will help you find your leadership potential. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I've put it on the shelf, but I keep going back to it. 

Habit 1: Not taking credit for what you've done

Women often downplay their achievements because they expect others to recognise them on their own. To break this habit, you have to learn to take credit for your accomplishments and promote yourself with confidence.

Habit 2: Hoping that people will notice and reward your hard work on their own.

Your job can suffer if you think that other people should automatically notice what you do. Instead, learn how to sell yourself and explain what you can do.

Habit 3: Overvaluing Expertise

It's good to become an expert in your area, but if you only rely on your expertise, it could slow your rise to higher leadership roles. Focus on making connections and getting better at managing and leading.

Habit 4: Build relationships rather than use them.

Women are great at building relationships, but they may be hesitant to use them for their own benefit. Learn how to use your connections wisely to help you get where you want to go in your job.

Habit 5: Not getting allies from the start.

Men usually start making connections right away, while women might wait until they feel ready. Start making important connections right away if you want to move up in your job.

Habit 7: Putting your job before your career 

Putting your team's goals ahead of your own long-term job goals can hold you back. Find a good balance between helping your team and moving forward on your leadership path.

Habit 7: The trap of perfection

Trying to be perfect can be bad for your growth because it can cause stress, narrow your views, and give you false goals. Focus on making progress, not being perfect.

Habit 8: The Disease of Trying to Please

Trying to please other people all the time can hurt your confidence and make it hard for you to make decisions. Learn how to set limits and rank your wants.

Habit 9: Minimising

As a boss, having less of a presence can hurt your confidence and power. Embrace your appearance and project confidence.

Tenth Habit: Too Much

If you stifle your natural reactions to fit in with the mindset of the workplace, you might feel fake and worn out. Find a balance between showing your feelings and staying calm.

Habit 11: Ruminating

Thinking about your mistakes over and over again can make you question yourself and stop you from moving forward. Focus on what you can learn from the past and move on.

Habit 12: Don't let your radar get in the way.

If your radar is too busy, it can distract you and make you less noticeable. Reframing is a good way to get the most out of your radar.

My name is Primera Muthoni, and I enjoy supporting entrepreneurs by helping them navigate and adopt technology to accelerate business growth.

Business Consultant at Analytics Business Centre and Associate Consultant (Uganda Management Institute)