Civil Engineering Academy

2 Crucial Leadership Skills for Women in STEM

The video spotlights two pivotal leadership competencies for women in STEM: navigating tough conversations and mastering delegation. It argues that while difficult dialogues—such as requesting raises or addressing performance gaps—are universally intimidating, they are especially critical for engineers who thrive on predictable processes yet must manage unpredictable human reactions. The speaker recommends a concrete playbook: outline agendas, anticipate emotional responses, and rehearse response strategies. By treating these talks as structured projects, women can reduce anxiety and assert authority. The second skill tackles the “control‑fixated” mindset common among high‑achieving engineers whose identity is tied to personal productivity, leading to chronic burnout when they assume multiple leadership roles. Key quotes illustrate the point: “We love to have a process, but emotions are uncontrollable,” and “Their worth is so often tied to productivity, so delegating becomes a growth opportunity for direct reports.” The advice stresses releasing control not only eases personal load but also cultivates team capability. For organizations, equipping women with these tools translates into clearer communication, healthier work‑life balance, and stronger talent pipelines. As women adopt systematic conversation tactics and purposeful delegation, they can amplify influence, retain top talent, and drive innovation across STEM fields.