Empowering communication: Elevating your influence in the workplace
In a bid to further empower women in the mining sector, Mount Isa Mines recently hosted an event centered around the theme of empowering communication. With Tracey Ward, a distinguished expert in communication strategies as the guest speaker, the event aimed to equip women in mining with the tools to amplify their influence and presence within the workplace.
Breaking barriers in mining
The mining industry, traditionally male-dominated, has made significant strides towards inclusivity in recent years. However, there's still a pressing need to address gender disparities and empower women to thrive in this field. Events like the Women in Mining at Mount Isa Mines play a crucial role in fostering an environment where women feel supported and empowered to advance their careers.
Richard Harvey, General Manager of Isa Processing welcomed the group to the event, and introduced the new IDEAL framework which contains five key pillars: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Advancement, and having a Local focus.
The framework supports our commitment to promoting and supporting diversity and inclusion at all levels of our operations.
Empowering communication: key to success
Effective communication lies at the heart of professional success. Whether it's conveying ideas, building relationships, or navigating conflicts, strong communication skills are essential. Ward's expertise in this domain provided attendees with invaluable insights into how they can harness the power of communication to elevate their influence in the workplace.
Tracey has over 20 years of experience in coaching and leadership, has both a Civil Engineering and Psychology degree, and has authored a book called ‘Being Perfectly Imperfect’ a guide for women on how to shake up their lives.
During the event, Tracey delved into various aspects of communication that are particularly relevant to women in the mining industry, including:
Assertive communication: Tracey emphasised the importance of assertive communication, which involves expressing thoughts, feelings, and needs confidently and respectfully.
Building confidence: Confidence is the cornerstone of effective communication. Tracey shared strategies for building self-confidence, including positive self-talk, setting achievable goals, and stepping out of comfort zones.
Navigating difficult conversations: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. Tracey provided attendees with tools for navigating difficult conversations with grace and professionalism, emphasising active listening, empathy, and problem-solving.
Executive presence: Developing executive presence is crucial for women aiming to advance into leadership roles. Tracey offered practical tips for exuding confidence, gravitas, and authority in professional settings.
Amy Laurenson, Senior Inclusivity and Diversity Advisor for Zinc Assets Australia reiterated the importance of Women in Mining events in facilitating conversations, “Women in Mining is not only about imparting knowledge but also about creating change. By empowering people with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively, organisations can foster a more inclusive and dynamic workplace culture.”
Under Tracey’s expert guidance, attendees gained valuable insights and skills to elevate their influence in the workplace. As the mining sector continues its journey towards greater gender equality, initiatives like this will play a key role in shaping a more equitable and thriving industry for all.