Islamabad Hosts Pioneering Event to Challenge Toxic Leadership and Foster Positive Change
— August 1, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) Speakers at an intensive workshop on women’s leadership on Thursday emphasized the need for concerted efforts to counter ‘toxic leadership’ for women at workplaces by promoting positive leadership to challenge and change prevailing odd dynamics.
The Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) hosted the “Leadership Accelerator: A Two-Day Intensive Workshop” titled “Women Leading Change: Shaping the Future.” Distinguished speakers included Nishaa Ishtiak, Director Women Development and Additional Commissioner Islamabad; Irum Khan, Corporate and Academic Trainer; Sadaf Asim Abbasi, former senior vice president Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce and Industries; Sumera Azam, Additional Director FIA; Dr. Aneel Salman, Chair Economic Security; and Siddique Humayun, Director Advocacy IPRI. The event brought together a diverse audience comprising working women, students, educators, bureaucrats, researchers, and academics, according to the press release.
The workshop focused on the significance of personal leadership and self-awareness and the importance of self-identity. Speakers emphasized that culture, often sidelined in modern perspectives of personal and professional development, is an invaluable asset. Participants were encouraged to embrace their cultural heritage as a foundation for their leadership journeys.
A key issue highlighted during the workshop was the prevalence of toxic workplaces and the resulting toxic leadership. Speakers stressed the need to counteract this through a “visual hammer.” This concept involves creating clear, impactful visual representations of positive leadership to challenge and change the prevailing odd dynamics. It was also noted that bounded rationality—the limitations in decision-making processes due to cognitive constraints—often hinders progress. Women were urged to confront their fears and develop resilience to overcome these limitations and excel as leaders.
The workshop also highlighted achieving long-term goals through the daily practice of drive, direction, and discipline. It was acknowledged that women come from all walks of life, bringing diverse experiences that can enrich decision-making processes. The speakers highlighted that decision-making is a multifaceted process involving strategic planning, technical analysis, and operational understanding. These skills are crucial for effective leadership and must be honed continuously.
Speakers stressed the strategic use of data to achieve optimal results, warned against the pitfalls of information overload, and emphasized the importance of discerning relevant data. Adaptability and creativity were identified as essential traits for modern leaders to avoid obsolescence. The discussion also addressed the importance of eliminating unnecessary practices and focusing on what truly matters for progress.
A significant portion of the workshop addressed the contemporary narrative that often portrays women as manipulative and men as tactful. Speakers urged that placing more women in leadership positions is essential to reshaping this narrative through representation and action. Strategic communication was identified as a critical component of effective leadership. Consistency in communication, the speakers argued, is vital to maintaining credibility and fostering trust.
The two-day workshop concluded with participants collectively committing to implement the insights and strategies discussed. Attendees pledged to support each other in their leadership journeys and to continue advocating for positive change in their respective spheres of influence.