YOUNG WOMEN ON THE RISE : sharing experiences

Transcript:YOUNG WOMEN ON THE RISE : sharing experiences:
YOUNG WOMEN ON THE RISE : sharing experiences Mphatso Chilakalaka Audit Manager AMG Global Introduction Traditionally women are helpers of men and men providers for women. This is not the case for the 21st century woman, who has rather found herself right in the midst of a working environment, dominated by men and mostly, coupled with gender biasness. We all aspire for the best, how can we not, it’s a basic instinct. There are barriers which we face as woman and one has to push through these barriers to be recognised. So how do we handle such an environment, how do we fit in, how do we rise? 1. Identity shift Becoming a leader involves much more than being put in a leadership role, acquiring new skills, and adapting one’s style to the requirements of that role. It involves a fundamental identity shift. You will only be able to make the shift by internalizing a leadership identity and developing a sense of purpose. It was only when I demonstrated that I wanted to lead that my leadership capabilities grew and opportunities to demonstrate them expanded. Next I knew high-profile, challenging assignments and other organizational endorsements become more available because I proved that I was capable of handling these roles. Such affirmation gave me the fortitude to step outside my comfort zone and experiment with unfamiliar behaviors and new ways of exercising leadership. An absence of affirmation, however, diminishes self-confidence and discourages you from seeking developmental opportunities. 2. Align your goals with your personal values. An effective leader always develops a sense of purpose by pursuing goals that aligns with your personal values and advance the collective good. This allows you to look beyond the status quo to what is possible and gives you a compelling reason to take action despite personal fears and insecurities. When you are such a leader, you are seen as authentic and trustworthy because you are willing to take risks in the service of shared goals. Through these shared goals you are able to connect others to a larger purpose and they too inspire commitment, boost resolve, and help colleagues find deeper meaning in their work. 3. Be visible Integrating leadership into one’s core identity is particularly challenging for women, who must establish credibility in a culture that is deeply conflicted about whether, when, and how they should exercise authority and that women are simply not