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Women in Leadership Roles in Tech Bring Essential Skills
When we think of technology and the ICT industry, the cliché often conjures an image of a male-dominated environment, focused solely on technical development. However, this outdated stereotype no longer reflects the reality of the industry.
Success in IT today demands not only technical ability but also mastery of essential soft skills such as effective communication and teamwork. Women who thrive in the industry contribute far more than just their technical abilities. They bring valuable perspectives and business acumen that significantly enhance the collaborative and innovative potential of the field.
The critical role of soft skills in multidisciplinary projects
LinkedIn’s 2019 Global Talent Trends Report found that 80% of hiring professionals believe soft skills are increasingly crucial to a company’s success. This is particularly clear in the ICT sector, where these skills are essential for coordinating multidisciplinary teams on projects involving diverse specialities such as coding, engineering and robotics.
The stereotype that women excel only in soft skills while lacking technical ability in ICT does not recognise the multifaceted contributions they make in the industry.
Women in the industry, particularly in leadership roles, play a vital role in this context, often bringing a unique blend of technical prowess and soft skills that enhance innovation and teamwork.
Enhancing teamwork with communication, organisation and creativity
In the business environment in general, and the IT industry specifically, effective communication remains a paramount skill for all participants, as no individual can single-handedly manage a comprehensive project without adhering to the intended outcomes.
Regular feedback sessions are essential, and a competent team leader will engage all members, including introverts, to ensure everyone’s contributions and progress are acknowledged. Frequent communication with team members allows project leaders to understand their colleagues better and address any challenges they may face.
Organisation is another crucial skill, especially for team leaders. This involves tracking projects, developing status sheets for report-backs, and managing various other tasks. This aligns with another essential soft skill in project management: keeping project momentum and addressing obstacles efficiently. However, it’s not just about team leaders; individual ICT employees must also ensure they stay on track.
Analytical thinking is vital, as it enables logical problem-solving and trend analysis, identifying anomalies that might impact the project. This resourcefulness can make the difference between a project’s success and failure, allowing for necessary adjustments when needed.
Being able to think creatively and maintain a curiosity for new developments in the industry is yet another crucial soft skill in the rapidly evolving field of technology – IT is renowned for its out-of-the-box thinkers and ideas: Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, the iPod, Facebook, that exemplify how innovation continues makes the industry groundbreaking and successful.
Gender differences in soft and hard skills
Research published in the Journal of Career and Entrepreneurship in 203 found that when it comes to communication, flexibility, interpersonal, professionalism and work ethics there are differences in the aptitudes between women and men. However, overall, there is no difference in soft skills abilities when it came to either male or female students that took part in the survey. The survey was among namely 20 male students and 20 female students on 8 soft skill variables.
Progress in female representation in stem
When it comes to hard skills, such as technical ability, women also possess these, and the number of females studying science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) subjects is growing.
Research from UK Government census data on occupations, shows that more women are studying physical science, with the percentage of female and non-binary students increasing from 39% to 44% between 2017 and 2023. There has also been an increase in women studying mathematics, although the ratio of male to female and non-binary students hasn’t changed at 63% men and 37% women.
What is encouraging is that there is a much higher number of female and non-binary Computer Science students overall. Yet, the representation of women and non-binary people increased by just four percentage points over a five-year period ending in 2023.
In engineering and technology, there are also more women studying these subjects, but only going from 21% of all students to 23% in the same period. In terms of those entering the workforce, women are still a minority in the STEM stream, with a study by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in July 2022 finding that women were 40% less likely to work in engineering, while 33% were more likely to work in math and over 90% more likely to work in science than in technology sector jobs.
Among women who do pursue a career in STEM, 61% work in fields related to social sciences, while only 15% are in engineering jobs.
Overcoming stereotypes to foster diversity
So, where is the disconnect? All the research shows that women have the same capabilities as men in mastering STEM fields.
Yet, prevailing societal stereotypes often confine them to roles traditionally linked with softer skills, nudging them towards careers in humanities, HR, teaching or nursing. This perception is not only outdated but also incorrect.
It’s essential to encourage women to pursue careers in technology, highlighting that soft skills are invaluable in ICT and are not exclusive to any gender. These skills complement the technical expertise crucial for fostering innovation and achieving success.
By challenging outdated gender stereotypes, from an educational level to the business environment, we can all cultivate a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Educators, industry professionals, business leaders, and especially women who have already made significant contributions to the IT field all play crucial roles in a transformation that will benefit innovation in IT and the industry’s ongoing success.
-Dr Elaine van Wyk
