Breaking down barriers to Leadership
Women have been striving to break down the barriers of leadership
for many years. Maybe if those women who have made it to the top looked out for
their sisters in business and mentored them instead of considering them as
rivals, things would be different. Instead, those who have achieved the goals
of becoming CEOs or project managers treat other women like predators instead
of giving them the right job so that they can flourish and get a step up the
ladder to success.
This is one of the reasons why so many in business can’t see
themselves in leadership roles and have doubts about their own abilities is
because they are treated like failures by both men and women in business. Those
who are doubtful of women in business don’t understand that women are smart
enough to multitask and are born managers. After all, they must manage the
family, the house, and the finances of the family all the while working outside the
home. That’s why women are great at jobs like finance managers, bookkeepers,
project managers, IT or digital officers, and CFOs of companies. Not to mention
analysts of criminal cases and legal cases because their attention to detail is
unique to a man’s technique in these fields.
There is always doubt when a woman takes on a leadership position
with comments like we’ll see if she can handle the job, whereas, when a man is
promoted to a leadership position, he’s praised as the right man for the job. This
is why I tell women all the time, you’re the right person for the job, so be confident
not cocky and create a relationship with your coworkers that demand respect, care,
and confidence in your ability to do the job properly.
Women are supposed to communicate with others in their field
about sports or what vegetarian restaurant they last went to, or talk about their
children, but what if they don’t like sports and are not a vegetarian or don’t
have kids, what then? My recommendation is to always have a smile on your face
and ask what they like outside of the office? If they like something you do,
before the end of your conversation offer them your business card and get one
of theirs. Write on the back of the card the most important thing they like and
if you offered something to them, make a note of it. Then when you get home
send them a handwritten note with maybe an article you found that they might like.
Personal touches are always welcomed because they show you have class and that
you remember what was spoken at your first meeting. Let people know you pay
attention to the details. They will either become a friend, an associate, or even
maybe a mentor for a future job you qualified for.
Always be networking within and outside of your business
arena. It’s always good to have connections in varied circles that might come
in handy later in life. Always be
willing to have drinks or even just coffee with people when you’re available,
ask them how they're doing, how’s the family or just to ask what advice they
might have for you on a project. Or better yet inquire about a new project they
might be involved with. Always be willing to receive critical feedback on what
you’re doing. Don’t take it as a negative, always take it as a positive.
Remember that no matter what you are your best advocate so
be willing to put yourself out there and climb that ladder to success by doing
the leg work, the hard work and be the leader you were meant to be.
Artist and Author Elizabeth
Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, and
journalist. business professional, creative artist, and life coach consultant.
Ms. Kilbride holds a master’s in criminology and a BS in Business Management
she stepped out of the loop for a while but is now back with a powerful opinion
and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach,
she is available to counsel individuals to enjoy their dreams and a better
life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel and photograph her surroundings and is also
a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.
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