What Steps Should Women Leaders Take If They’re Excluded from Strategic Meetings?

Being excluded from strategic meetings can significantly impact your ability to contribute to and influence key decisions in your organisation. This exclusion can undermine your leadership potential, hamper your career growth, and limit your strategic input in vital decisions. Exclusion from strategic meetings is more than an oversight—it’s a barrier to effective leadership.

It’s a frustrating scenario many Iron Ladies have faced and successfully navigated by implementing strategic and assertive approaches.

1. Demonstrate Your Value:

Showcase your contributions and how they align with the organisation’s strategic goals.

Example: Prepare a summary of your recent accomplishments and how they have positively impacted the organisation. Share this with your supervisor and suggest how your involvement in strategic meetings could further benefit the team.

2. Build Alliances with Influencers:

Cultivate relationships with colleagues who have influence and can advocate for your inclusion.

Example: Partner with a senior colleague who attends these meetings and can vouch for your expertise and the value you bring to the table.

3. Proactively Share Your Strategic Ideas:

Find alternative ways to share your strategic ideas and insights.

Example: Submit a detailed proposal or strategic plan to your supervisor or the meeting organiser ahead of time, highlighting key points you would contribute if included in the meeting.

4. Enhance Your Visibility:

Increase your visibility within the organisation by taking on high-profile projects and initiatives.

Example: Volunteer for leadership roles in cross-functional projects or committees to showcase your strategic thinking and leadership abilities.

5. Seek Feedback and Improve:

Ask for feedback on why you were excluded and work on areas of improvement.

Example: “I’d like to understand if there are specific reasons why I wasn’t included in the recent strategic meetings and how I can improve to be considered for future discussions.”

6. Leverage Mentorship:

Seek advice from a mentor on how to navigate the situation and position yourself for inclusion.

Example: Discuss your exclusion from strategic meetings with a trusted mentor and seek their guidance on steps to take to ensure your inclusion in the future.

Being excluded from strategic meetings can hinder your professional growth and impact. By requesting inclusion directly, demonstrating your value, building alliances, proactively sharing your ideas, enhancing your visibility, seeking feedback, and leveraging mentorship, you can ensure your voice is heard and your contributions are recognised in strategic discussions.

Ready to ensure your inclusion in strategic meetings and enhance your influence? Join our Women Leadership Masterclass and start your journey towards impactful leadership today!