What additional skills could we bring to the table as women?
I used to think that to be perceived as a firm body in business I had to behave, dress and project myself as a man would.
It took a while until I reached that balance between who I was as a woman and who I was as a professional – and to pour that essence found between my womanhood and my professional self into career goals.
Understanding the corporate power of authenticity and uniqueness became very important to me; that embracing my femininity was a priceless part of my corporate performance.
Early on in my career, I would transform at my place of work. Despite being known as a sweet talkative woman, I evolved into a cold and shrewd business operator. I thought hiding my emotions as part of the meaning of being professional. And, while there is some truth in the notion of not letting your emotions impede you from sufficiently, efficiently, and professionally doing your job and also not allowing your emotions to repel business away; I’ve learned that hiding major facets and nuances of your personality has no truth and no benefit to you and your business path.
Fortunately, I reached a point in my career where the legitimacy of my work became far more important to me than what others perceived of a female journalist still discovering her niche in the middle of the most hectic metropolis in the world.
Here is the theory about how I discovered feminine energy; more than a weakness, is an actual strength in business. Scheme based on transforming all those stigmas fostered by societal norms on women to the potential for your business approach. Based on personal experience observing how the female presence balances and reigns the temper of the workplace when it is well directed. As women, we hold a myriad of gifts advantageous for leadership.
According to the study “Personality for Leadership” by professor Øyvind L. Martinsen of the BI Norwegian Business School, women score higher than men in four of the five personality traits considered key to successful leadership: clarity, innovation, support, and targeted meticulousness.
Clarity – on demand business aptitude
There is no magical mode for ensuring that all parties involved are aligned and share a common understanding of the assignment. But concise communication, retell strategy, and asking for feedback will foster a clear vision in all interactions.
Innovation – the future of business continuity
Creative thinking, design thinking and brainstorming promotion will welcome new ideas, processes, and improvements for the company’s growth. Get your voice and wild ideas heard.
Support – become a safe and encouraging place for your team members
It’s about nurturing the ability to keep your team focused and motivated to do their best according to their talents. That entails getting to know each member and their outstanding skills. Open communication and quality training will sustain a supportive attitude.
Targeted meticulousness – a winner command in business
Pickiness sometimes is beneficial. Precision and attention to detail skills add value when it comes to increasing quality standards. It also avails you to improve productivity, efficiency, and promotes a low range of errors.
Surely you have noticed that when you enter a space, the decor speaks of the personality and punch of the owner. You can even perceive part of their tastes, interests, and singularities. Now imagine what kind of people are behind such work.
The pursuit is achieving the same effect with our business upshots. Balancing masculine and feminine energy is the perfect approach. But as the intention is to increase women in upper management roles, empowering our wants as women is necessary.
At the end of the day, you want to be remembered for who you are in both your business leadership style and your lifestyle behavior. So, embrace your feminine energy, and your business will positively notice.
“Stay true to yourself and your vision. Don’t let any one person’s opinion move you; listen, but be confident.”―Amanda Kahlo, Founder, 6Sense
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