Empowering Women Beyond March: Use the P.R.I.C.E. Model for Lasting Success

March isn't just another month; it's an annual celebration of the extraordinary journey and achievements of women throughout history. However, while we commemorate Women's History Month, it's crucial to reflect on how we can extend the spirit of empowerment beyond these 31 days.

At Herzing University, we rely on the P.R.I.C.E. model — Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Caring and Engagement — to guide a wide variety of our professional and personal journeys. It can also be a roadmap for aspiring female leaders across healthcare, nursing, business and technology.

Let’s take a deeper look into the qualities that define the P.R.I.C.E. model along with advice for how they can be used for workforce success, not just in March, but throughout the year.

Elevating Professionalism: Setting Standards for Success

Being a professional woman isn't some label; it's about aiming high and shattering glass ceilings with determination and poise. Whether it's diving deep into research or fostering meaningful partnerships, professionalism propels you forward as a leader of vision. It calls for unwavering commitment to growth, integrity, and the grit to face challenges head-on.

• Know Your Worth: Demonstrate professionalism by recognizing and valuing your skills and expertise, which contribute to a professional image in the workplace.
• Speak Up: Communicate assertively and professionally to reinforce your credibility and enhance your presence in meetings and discussions.

Respecting Diversity: Embracing Differences to Drive Innovation

Recognizing and championing diversity is a pivotal strategy for cultivating innovation in the workforce, especially for women. When we embrace varied viewpoints and experiences, we spark creativity and fresh perspectives, propelling us forward with purpose.

• Promote Diversity and Inclusion: Foster a caring environment by advocating for diversity and inclusion, creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.
• Build a Support Network: Cultivate a supportive network that is grounded in mutual respect, perspectives, experiences and contributions.

Integrity in Action: Building Trust Through Consistency

As a woman in the workforce, integrity isn't just about adhering to a set of rules when the spotlight is on—it's about embodying those principles even when nobody is looking. It's about representing organizational values and championing honesty even in the face of adversity.

• Advocate for Yourself: Uphold integrity by advocating for yourself with honesty and transparency, ensuring your achievements and contributions are recognized and valued.
• Embrace Failure: Maintain integrity in the face of failure by learning from setbacks, taking responsibility and demonstrating resilience and honesty in your professional journey.

Cultivating Compassion: The Power of Caring Leadership

Women bring a unique perspective to leadership – one that can be rooted in empathy, support and mentorship. Picture a workplace where leaders truly listen, invest in the growth of their team members and create environments where everyone feels valued and acknowledged. This style of leadership isn't just about climbing the company ladder; it's about nurturing a culture where individuals flourish.

• Set Boundaries: Respect yourself by setting boundaries that prioritize your well-being and earning respect from others for your self-awareness and assertiveness.
• Continuous Learning: Demonstrate care for your professional development and invest in continuous learning and skill enhancement to stay competent and competitive in your field.

Igniting Engagement: Inspiring Action and Innovation

Empowerment, communication, and setting clear goals are the fuel for transformation and progress in the workplace, especially for women. When women feel empowered to speak up, contribute diverse perspectives and take on leadership roles, they become catalysts for change and innovation across all levels of the organization. Their influence extends beyond their industries, shaping the world and leaving a lasting legacy.

• Take Risks: Engage fully in your career by being proactive and taking calculated risks to pursue opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Lead by Example: Demonstrate engagement by being an example to inspire others through your passion, dedication, and commitment to excellence.

Herzing's amazing team of female leaders believes in the path you are forging for yourself. By integrating the P.R.I.C.E. model into the recommendations for women in the workforce, individuals can cultivate a culture of professionalism, respect, integrity, caring and engagement, ultimately fostering an empowering environment where everyone can thrive and succeed. That’s the value and opportunity that women can bring to the workforce every day of the year, not just in March.