We are continuously inundated with images of strong women professionals. Whether they are portrayed as successful attorneys or fashion divas, one of the key ingredients to their success is assertive leadership. These women are often a far cry from the traditional damsel in distress needing saving. On the contrary, they are determined and their no-nonsense attitude speaks volumes about the many strides women have made in business. Although gender-based reports from Statistics Canada show that the majority of women in Canada continue to occupy predominantly the lower- to mid-level positions, those who have made it to the top as CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and Presidents suggest that getting to the tip of the corporate iceberg is certainly attainable.
So what are some of the main ingredients of professional success when it comes to women? According to Susan Hayward, success is all about leadership skills. For women in particular, “it’s not necessarily about power and domination; true leadership is about strength or character, team building and inner reserves of emotional strengths” says Sue Hayward in her book, Women Leading. Among the primary obstacles that continue to test the mettle of any professional woman’s character is the intricate link between professional and personal demands. Since women tend to bear the brunt of caretaking responsibilities, developing excellent time-management skills is essential. Women’s innate capacity for navigating various minutiae has been applauded by business experts as a valuable asset that bolsters companies’ bottom line by accomplishing diverse tasks within a short amount of time.
However, what is deemed as the holiest of women’s virtues can easily turn into a liability. According to Linda Austin’s recent research, the preoccupation with details can be counterproductive and result in endless second-guessing that brings real progress to a halt. In What’s Holding You Back: Critical Choices for Women’s Success, Austin defines multitasking as the ultimate energy zapper that takes away from the real focus, but also prevents women from seeing new opportunities. Being flexible while remaining focused is another key ingredient of a well seasoned professional. So is the desire to achieve the impossible.
When a twenty-year old Madonna burst on to the stage of pop music, she announced shamelessly: “I want to rule the world.” While much criticized in the media for her sexually explicit and controversial performances, her business acumen is undeniable. Although it is rather unorthodox to tout Madonna as an example of professional success, women are becoming more and more interested in their own version of “ruling the world” by following their desire with utmost determination.
Dr. Pavlina Radia, President, Maven Business Network
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