When I first started working with top business teams in the 80’s, there wasn’t a woman in the room. However, as the years went by more women moved to executive positions. The difference in the way the team worked with women on the team was astonishing. The way business was done began to shift to a more positive and productive culture.
Before I go on let me say I have nothing against men ~ God love them. They are so courageous, tenacious, and bright ~ and more. While their track record in building successful businesses is impressive, on the softer side of building happy companies only a few have a clue.
The reasons below are describing women at their best. However, they are examples of what’s true in our heart of hearts and what we intend to bring to the workplace. I also appreciate there are men who have some of these qualities.
So men please don’t read this as an attack, but rather as an opportunity to consider these reasons for having more women on your team ~ or leading your teams!
7 reasons for women to take the lead
Here’s what we offer, what makes the difference, and why it’s time for more women to take the lead.
- We think differently. The way we look at people and problems provides a unique clarity. We’re less apt to see others as a means to an end and more likely to appreciate what each person has to give.
- We bring positive energy. When women joined the teams I coached, the atmosphere became warmer, more friendly, and less all business. At the start of the meeting women greet people, connect with others, and create relationships that make for a more productive meeting.
- We generate teamwork. We’re less attached to our ideas, willing for others to win, and able to see things from another perspective. Because so much has always been expected of men, they have a stronger drive to prove themselves. Consider the Women’s Marches and the difference they’ve made.
- We listen. We listen to others’ ideas and take them seriously. Although we can get caught, we’re much less invested in the automatic ‘not invented here’ response. We’re more apt to trust them, include them, and listen to them. Imagine what it would be like to be managed by someone who knows and respects who you are.
- We care. When women are starting their own business or already have a business, they naturally practice what they know as a woman. For the most part we’re not embarrassed to be an enthusiastic champion. When your people know you care about them, magic happens. To transform your business, transform your people.
- We’re resilient. Watch a woman in a crisis. We may fall down at the start, get caught in our doubts and fears, but soon we pick ourselves up and get on with it. When we catch ourselves in a self-absorbed state of mind, we recognize what’s happening and pull ourselves up and return our attention to what matters.
- We’re taking the lead as never before. Have you noticed we’ve stopped whining about not being paid as much, about not being given the big jobs, and not complaining as much about the state of world affairs? We’ve stopped being victims, worrying about what others think of us, gossiping, and blaming. We’re taking matters into our own hands ~ now we’re talking!
Women, if you don’t score 100% on these reasons to take the lead ~ who does? ~ use them as an excuse to return to what you do naturally! Focus on your strengths, return to your purpose, and make the difference you know how to make.
In 2016 the Dalai Lama spoke about why women leaders can make the world a better place. Listening to the truth of his words is inspiring ~ a short one-minute video.
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To find out more about executive coaching and integrating Best Year Yet into your business, contact [email protected]. Or click here to get started with the personal Best Year Yet online workshop ~ or click here to read Your Best Year Yet!, which includes the 10-question workbook.