Learn the rules of the game of business and how to play for success
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.
Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning.
Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it's not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.
Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.
Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
You will want to manage how you are perceived. Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What kind of reputation have you established? What image are you portraying through your dress?
As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. You are called upon to make tough decisions that everyone will not necessarily like. This is another difference in the male and female culture that can create tension. As young girls we are taught to get along and being liked is important.
A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The way you dress determines the overall message you send. If your makeup, hairstyle, or clothing stands out, then what you are saying in an important conversation will be secondary. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another 'test' of how well you fit into the team.
Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who's familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan.
If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.
Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that's right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. There are many ways to be in leadership and have a powerful impact. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that.
It's important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.
In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. You have to decide the priorities for your life and make choices. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. You will need to be proactive in doing things to take care of yourself.
Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Lynn Matlock Hicks
Business is still played by the rules of team sports. The games we play as girls and boys influence how we 'play' at work. Organizations are still strongly influenced by the male culture. So, in order for women to be effective in this arena, they will need to visibly see the rules of the game and understand how to maneuver within that framework.
Growing up, girls learn dependence and boys learn independence. Competition is one of the key principles in the game of business where winning is all important. Even if you grew up playing with boys, those experiences are minor in comparison to the influence of social norms. Growing up, girls learn how to be competent interpersonally and develop and sustain relationships. Boys, on the other hand, learn how to subordinate relationships to aggressiveness, competition, and winning.
Research shows that behaving like a man will backfire. Women have a narrower band of acceptable behavior. The one important piece to remember is that for most men, business is a game. If you understand that it's not personal, you will be able to choose your strategies and approaches wisely to your success.
Secret #7 -- Know what it takes to successfully transition each leadership passage
In the book, The Leadership Pipeline, by Charam, Drotter & Noel, the authors identify six passages which require a different focus and attention to navigate successfully through the passage. The six passages are 1) from Manage Self to Manage Others, 2) Manage Managers, 3) Functional Manager, 4) Business Manager, 5) Group Manager, 6) Enterprise Manager (CEO). Not only is understanding this critical for your success in progressing upward, but it is vital for you to understand how to focus the development for those under your span of control. The skills, time application, and work values are different for each passage and there are signs of possible derailment at each turn. For example, passage number 4 from Functional Manager to Business Manager requires an ability to deliver inspired communication, assemble a strong team, grasp how the company makes money, and develop strong leadership at multiple below you.
Secret #8 -- Know and manage your image
You will want to manage how you are perceived. Some questions to ask yourself are: How do people perceive you in your organization? What kind of reputation have you established? What image are you portraying through your dress?
As a leader it is more important to be respected than liked. You are called upon to make tough decisions that everyone will not necessarily like. This is another difference in the male and female culture that can create tension. As young girls we are taught to get along and being liked is important.
A word about business attire. Make sure your business attire is tasteful but does not draw more attention to your sexuality, such as tight skirts, sweaters, low cut blouses, or frilly clothing. The way you dress determines the overall message you send. If your makeup, hairstyle, or clothing stands out, then what you are saying in an important conversation will be secondary. The general rule of thumb to follow is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Notice what successful women at the top of your organization are wearing and adapt to that style. You can still have your own style, just remember the unspoken dress code is akin to the team uniform and is another 'test' of how well you fit into the team.
Secret #9 -- Hire an experienced coach
Hire a coach who's familiar with 360 tools and other personality and work style assessments so you get the vital objective feedback and how to use it into your development plan.
If you have never worked with a professional coach, you might consider doing a little research and contacting some experienced coaches for a sample coaching session. Many coaches offer a free 45-minute coaching session so you get to know them and what to expect in the coaching process with them. Working with an experienced coach can expedite your development and save you a lot of hard lessons.
Secret #10 Know your long-term goals, maintain work/life balance, and support other women
Be clear about your long-term goals and how you will maintain the work/life balance that's right for you. If your goal is to reach the upper executive levels, then find out what commitment it will take, how it will impact your personal life, and what support systems you will need to put in place. There are many ways to be in leadership and have a powerful impact. You may decide that you enjoy being at a mid-level management position with the ability to influence many people and groups within the organization. Or, if you are better suited to be a senior level individual contributor such as VP of Investor Relations, then go for that.
It's important for your own happiness and satisfaction in life that you identify your key productive skills, your long-term goals, and your personal quality of life to determine the best career path for you.
In a Catalyst study with interviews of executive women, women pointed out that you cannot have it all. You have to decide the priorities for your life and make choices. If you are married, it is important to have a supportive spouse. Many women pay for hired help to support childcare, home maintenance, etc. Women are so skilled at multi-tasking and handling many things for themselves and others in their lives that they often neglect to take care of themselves. You will need to be proactive in doing things to take care of yourself.
Support other women who are coming up through the ranks to create networks of collective support for all women. This is key to shifting the culture to be more in balance between masculine and feminine ways of approaching business.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Lynn Matlock Hicks
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