AdaMarie Expert Dr. Scyatta Wallace: From Problem Solver to Leader: Recognizing Your Strengths as a Woman in STEM

Have you ever thought of yourself as a leader? If not, why? I would say that any woman in STEM can be a leader because so few women choose that career path. Therefore, you are already trailblazing whether or not you give yourself credit for it.

But, it’s understandable why you wouldn’t imagine yourself as a leader. That's because, often, when we hear the word leader, we think male, or at the very least we think hard-driving personality, in a suit and heading up a large corporation or country.

However, leadership is so much more than that.  Leadership is about providing direction and guidance toward something and motivating others or oneself toward that goal.  Leadership is often deeply personal in that it requires us to tap into our unique traits to bring out the best understanding of where you want to lead people and how you will lead them.

Women in STEM are poised to be great leaders because we are often highly analytical, great problem solvers, good at working in teams, and are used to dealing with complex issues.  

Leadership in STEM can look like many things. It could be deciding to become a team lead, generating ideas for an invention, or finding unique ways to solve technical problems. It could be that you sign up to lead a committee at work. You could also volunteer with an advocacy group in your community, or run for your school’s council.  Leadership can also be something you do at home as you take on the task of putting together your family tree. You can be a leader for yourself and set goals to accomplish over the next year. 

So how can you increase your potential for being a leader in STEM?

• First, change your image of what it looks like to be a leader. Consider the ideas listed above, and try to think of many more.  

• Observe where you are already acting as a leader. You may be going through your day and not recognizing when your leadership skills are already playing out.  Start to recognize when you are being a leader and do more of that. 

• Own it when others see leadership in you. Be sure to accept when others point out the leadership qualities you possess. Don't shrug it away or ignore it. When others see leadership potential, celebrate and take stock of it.  

• Finally, explore leadership opportunities that appeal to you and fit within your life. You can't say yes to everything, but I encourage you to try being a leader. Regardless of the path, every leadership role will build skills that transfer to other parts of your life. Being a leader also builds confidence, expands your network, and can lead to other opportunities in the future.

So go for it, raise your hand, and say yes to recognizing the leader already within you!