Break the Construction Glass Ceiling: Women in the C-Suite
Breaking the glass ceiling
In today's construction industry we are seeing more and more women break the glass ceiling in the industry. The construction and trades industry has historically been a more male dominated field and companies are now seeing the more positive effects that having diversity in leadership positions can have on their business.
How women are changing the game
In a study conducted by the Harvard Business Review, research shows how impactful it is to integrate women into senior positions and what kind of effects that diversifying top management teams (TMT) has on a company, "we found that the more effectively female executives were able to integrate into the TMT, the greater the impact they were likely to have on its decision-making." The study highlights how women in leadership positions are making a big change in the industry, "finding that when women are appointed to the C-suite, they catalyze fundamental shifts in the top management team's risk tolerance, openness to change, and focus on M&As versus R&D."
Women in leadership
In an interview done by Loreman, architect Ellen Dickson was asked what it's like to work in a male-dominated field and said, "The industry was much more male-dominated when I started. But as we look at statistics now, it's changed. I'm proud to see there are more women in the field and that it's nearly 50/50 in terms of representation. We see that as a big victory and improvement." Each year we are seeing more and more women like Dickson breaking the glass ceiling and joining these top leadership and C-suite positions that have historically been held by men. Women holding these titles opens the door for so many others in our younger generation to do the same. It creates new mentorships and more educational opportunities that haven't been as available to women in the past.
The Leadership Academy
At NAWIC, we provide women with the resources they need to continue growing within the construction industry. NAWIC created the NAWIC Leadership Academy as an educational coaching resource for women in construction who are looking to step into leadership positions. The program brings together expert guidance, practical tools, and a supportive community to help break down barriers that have historically prevented women from holding leadership roles in the industry.
The Leadership Academy offers a wide range of courses designed to build confidence and develop strategic leadership skills that can elevate both individual careers and the companies they work for. It also provides valuable networking opportunities and access to an online community of peers, coaches, and guest speakers who are dedicated to helping participants succeed. These resources are open to all women in construction. If you are interested in joining an information session, visit nawicleadershipacademy.org.
NAWIC has more than 5,500 members in 120 chapters across the US, and affiliates across the globe. Contact a chapter near you to learn more.
