Women are natural leaders

Anil Kumar R

The practice of putting women on pedestals began to die out when it was discovered that they could give orders better from there. -- Betty Grable (American film Actress, 1916-1973).

To some of us it may seem Betty's quote is so true that today we are seeing more and more women in top positions than ever before in corporate work and world. Most women are understanding, caring, emotionally mature and balanced. It is exactly these qualities that build loyalty, motivation and bind the workforce today.

According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, US, "Seventy-five percent of careers are derailed for reasons related to emotional competencies, including inability to handle interpersonal problems; unsatisfactory team leadership during times of difficulty or conflict; or inability to adapt to change or elicit trust."

Effectively handling emotions results in great conflict resolution leading to greater employee satisfaction, higher retention and much higher productivity. Employers lap up these strengths, and many organizations secretly have started working on increasing their intake of women employees.

There are many among us who struggle managing home and work. I find it amazing when I see women colleagues balancing work and home so well comparatively...and seemingly effortlessly. This is something that I have been grappling without any headway. To think of what our mothers, spouses, sisters have done for us while they were working and yet managing us is unimaginable. They are able to quickly adapt and care for our needs and yet, despite all the trials and tribulations at home, appear cheerful and ready to take on their tasks at work the next day.

Learning and acquiring leadership skills today are open to one and all. The opportunity to absorb and apply knowledge and translate the wisdom into profits for companies and at the same time maintaining a great workplace are what will distinguish a true leader.

Growth is not restricted; there are many examples of women who have made it to the top whom we all know.

So do women have to be put on the pedestal? Can't they find their own and stay there as long as they wish to? I would imagine so. Not just in the corporate work place but anywhere.

In a country like India, we worship the great feminine Goddesses and consider them all pervading and powerful. No man needs to put her on a pedestal. She is already there!

(The author is Associate Vice-President, CIOL).

CyberMedia News