Leadership communication for women is essential in today’s workplace, and no one understands this better than Dr. Lois Frankel. As President of Corporate Coaching International and author of the bestselling Nice Girls Don’t Speak Up or Stand Out, Dr. Frankel is an internationally recognised expert in women’s leadership development. In this podcast, she joins host Molly McGrath to share actionable advice on how women can effectively communicate with bosses and colleagues.
Why Leadership Communication for Women Matters
At 7:35 in the episode, Dr. Frankel notes, “Nice is necessary for success, it’s simply not sufficient.” This quote sums up a key theme: while being nice is important, women must also speak with strength and strategy to succeed professionally.
She explains that many women adopt communication habits from childhood that may limit their growth at work. For example, “nice girls” often avoid confrontation or assertive speech because that’s how they were taught to behave. Understanding these social norms is the first step toward breaking free from them.
How Upbringing Affects Leadership Communication for Women
Dr. Frankel advises asking people about their upbringing, which reveals the behaviours they may need to shift to grow professionally. Childhood lessons often shape workplace behaviours, and for women, this can mean being overly accommodating or hesitant to speak up.
But being nice alone won’t get results. Success also depends on preparation, clarity, and emotional intelligence. As Dr. Frankel says, “Chance favours the prepared mind.”
Breaking the Rules That Hold Women Back
Leadership communication for women often requires unlearning outdated rules. Society has long enforced different expectations for how women should communicate—rules that silence women or label assertiveness as aggression.
Tears, for example, are often more acceptable than anger. However, Dr. Frankel points out that delivering a message before becoming emotional gives women more power and control in conversations. It’s not about suppressing emotions, but about timing your message effectively.
Communication Tips for Women in Leadership Roles
Here are Dr. Frankel’s top tips on improving leadership communication for women:
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Be prepared: Do your homework before any meeting. Preparation builds confidence and increases the odds of a successful outcome.
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Pause with purpose: If your comments aren’t being acknowledged, don’t keep talking. Use a closing phrase like, “Did I answer your question?” to regain the listener’s attention.
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Know your impact: Understand how your communication style affects your relationships at work, and adjust when needed.
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Stop apologising unnecessarily: Replace “I’m sorry” with more assertive alternatives unless an apology is truly warranted.
Tune in to Learn More
This episode is packed with insights that help women in every industry find their voice and own their power at work. Learn how to shift old habits, speak with authority, and navigate conversations with more confidence.
Listen Now on:
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Looking for more support? Explore our free tools and training on fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/ to gain more leadership communication skills for women. Want to keep growing? Dive into our blogs for expert tips and tune into our weekly podcasts for empowering conversations.
Written by Molly Hall McGrath