Girl Power: Sisters are doing it for themselves.
In looking at the future of leadership in a Connection economy there is little doubt that it will be a woman’s world. Now of course that is not to say that men won’t or can’t lead but rather that for the first time, the ‘rules of the game’ won’t prejudice women leadership. It is a message I have experienced standing ovations for in predominantly women audiences and in men dominated audiences, have felt lucky to escape with my life! Anyway, should you have any doubts about the rising tide of ‘Girl Power’ then look no further than the May edition of Fast Company (issue #94).
This edition carries stories on the ‘25 Top Women Business Builders’. It makes for impressive reading. what stuck me was just how many of the companies profiled started out with humble beginings but which since then have grown substantially. They demonstrate the ability of women in leadership to see what is important and pursue common sense to realise the potential or take hold of the opportunity on offer. The scope of business’ profiled is wide, from wicker and wire baskets to offshore pipelines and platforms; from leaders who describe themsleves as ‘Bootstrappers’ to a ‘Bun Lady’…as I said, it makes for interesting reading! Many share about creating environments which accomodate the need to balance family demands with life outside of work. It just seems that these women understand what is important and yet are able to build successful business enterprises nonetheless.
It would be great to hear further such stories…
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In my opinion, women all over the world are really into a phase of self-discovery, getting to know who they are without the media prescribing to them how to do it. There is even an AOA (Anti-Oprah Association) and Anti-Oprah Bookclub claiming they want to get America to read GOOD books again! (though this is not just a woman thing). On the other hand, much can be said for women like Oprah that in many cases indeed paved the way for liberated thinking!
A bit of irony here lies in the fact that it is often the “Bootstrappers” and the “Bun Ladies” that get featured on Oprah and boy, she can really launch you into success. But the masses of women sitting at home every day waiting for Oprah to motivate them into some kind of action are rarely the ones that become one of the 25 Top Women Business Builders!
Another remarkable phenomenon to take note of is the very strong movement towards the creation of women circles around the world in astonishing variety providing a haven where essential female values can be discussed and embraced. Google this topic and see for yourself. Also, see the many books Amazon has on offer in this regard.
Woman are wired differently to men and so to organise work life balance is completely different. When we leave home in the morning we take the sick child, concern over an issue with a partner,what needs to be cooked for dinner and who will fetch the kids after school with us. We weave all of these issues into our day and cannot completely detatch. To organise work life balance should be easier in a world where output is measured rather than a number of hours at the office. If some of this work can be done at home in our virtual office, if there is support within the work enviroment for these important issues in my life and I am encouraged to develop skills that I enjoy. Not an easy task in the present work enviroment.The other issue that will need to be measured is with so much opportunity now available to woman, will they choose what will bring long term value to their life or will they chase the old style of climbing the ladder at work and then discover it is up against the wrong wall.
Keith i love such topics,it is really interesting to me that the women who are still using the men’s rules to play in the men’s game win at the men’s world,not so easily though,they win the trophy of the C.E.O of the year, but most of them could not handle the family demands. But its amazing for me how the new rules, vurtual offices are such a liberation,women who are leading in this way are finding a balance between family demands and C.E.O-ship.bigs up to the new rules:)
Women are making choices based on what is best for them and their families rather than their company’s bottom line. Or their career. They understand that if the people in their business have balanced lives, are able to work while waiting for a child at a karate class, and run out during ‘work hours’ to do the weekly shop – then you have motivated, passionate and happy women. Adding value is more than just adding the hours you’re behind a desk. It’s about mutual respect, trust and a shared sense of passion and fun. As soon as building a business starts being about the numbers and stops being fun – then it’s time to change direction, or stop altogether. I’ve been doing this for 10 years and wouldn’t trade it for an impressive cv or a corner office!