Women in leadership positions are more likely to be undermined, underestimated and belittled – which former Senior Traffic Commissioner Beverley Bell knows only too well…
Diverse representation isn’t the be all and end all – attitudes still desperately need to change.
Let’s take a look at the reality women leaders in the workplace face, and what we can do about it:
- The challenges women in leadership face.
- Beverley Bell’s experiences as Senior Traffic Commissioner.
- Tackling key industry issues: the Rerouting Logistics podcast.
The challenges women in leadership face
Whether it’s the Transport & Logistics industry or an entirely different sector, women are statistically more likely to face barriers to success that men wouldn’t.
Thankfully, that hasn’t stopped more women from making it to those top spots in organisations across the world. But, it does mean that there’s a lot more work that needs to be done.
Here are just some of the obstacles women in leadership positions face:
- Lack of mentorship and sponsorship: According to a report by Catalyst, an organisation dedicated to advancing workplace diversity, women are less likely than men to have access to senior leaders who can provide sponsorship or mentoring opportunities.
- Gender bias in performance evaluations: A study by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that women received lower performance ratings than men, at all levels, even when their actual performance was objectively the same.
- Implicit bias: Research conducted at Harvard University found that people are more likely to associate men with leadership more than women, which can have a knock-on effect on the opportunities they can access.
- Workplace microaggressions: Women in leadership positions are more likely to experience mistreatment in the workplace, including undermining behaviours and exclusion, according to a study published in the Journal of Vocational Behaviour.
Beverley Bell’s experiences as Senior Traffic Commissioner
Having spent 30 years working within the Commercial Vehicle Industry, Beverley Bell knows the sector better than most.
But, even working in a position at the very top of the industry, the former Senior Traffic Commissioner experienced more than her fair share of microaggressions.
“They asked me to make the tea when I became Traffic Commissioner…”
Listen to Beverley talk about the flack she had to face – and the ground she had to break as the UK’s youngest and first-ever female Traffic Commissioner!
Want to hear more? Find out how…
Tackling key industry issues: the Rerouting Logistics podcast
Hosted by Beverley Bell, the Rerouting Logistics podcast is here to confront key issues at the heart of the Transport & Logistics industry – and the fourth episode is out now on Spotify and YouTube!
This time, she sat down with CILT UK president Leon Daniels to discuss:
- The truth about diversity in the sector.
- Attracting the next generation to Passenger Transport.
- And how Britain is a world leader in transport innovation!
Have you listened and have something to say? Or are you looking forward to the next release?
Follow the Aspion Search LinkedIn page to join the conversation and stay up-to-date with release dates, sneak previews and podcast snippets.
