In this article we are going to talk about how women have become an integral part of successful businesses today and why empowering women in necessary to the health and social development families, institutions, communities, and countries. We see successful women in every walk of life, be it giant corporates, healthcare, technology, or business just to name a few. Women have surely stamped their authority and proved their excellence in every walk of life. Be it a homemaker or the CEO of a technology giant they have proven time and again that they have what it takes to be successful. When women are living safe and productive lives they perform to their full potential, contribute immensely to the society, and raise happier, healthier, and successful children.
Women in business: why is it important?
Women in business is important, and this is not just necessary because of gender equality but because they have proven to bring successful and innovative ideas to the table, presented innovative solutions that have helped businesses prosper. They have introduced out of the box solutions which have worked wonders for organizations and businesses. Women are now more ambitious than ever before, and you know what is fueling them, it is the flexibility and authority that they have been empowered with.
An increasing number of top-notch organizations like IBM or General Motors have inducted women in key positions as a part of their workforce for a reason, its because they have seen that when there is diversity in the workplace it results in an innovative workforce. A successful workplace is one which inculcates and encourages a challenging and collaborative work environment, comprising of people who think differently as this breeds constructive ideas and promotes innovation. All of this eventually leads to a successful business.
One of the most important and fundamental skills one can have are soft skills, which is the ability to effectively communicate with people. This seems like a trait that would be quite common amongst everyone, but it is not. Effective communication, teamwork, problem solving, and critical thinking are invaluable traits in an individual and it has been proven by many surveys that the most successful businesswomen were those who excelled in these attributes. CEOs of the top companies of the world attest to this fact that although technical knowledge and skills are required to be successful in your career, soft skills is ranked as the most desirable professional attribute one can have.
A study was conducted by a famous organizational advisory firm called Korn Ferry in the year 2016 whereby research proved that women outperform men in 11 out of 12 emotional intelligence competencies, which is the ability or capability to express, perceive and regulate emotions. The related and researched competencies included emotional self-awareness, empathy, conflict management, adaptability and teamwork which are the essential skills for effective leadership and women came out on top in all of these.
Some qualities of successful Business women
Self-Belief:
In the words of kay Ash, a successful businesswoman and the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics “If you think you can, you can. And if you think you cannot, you are right.” It is self-belief that makes you successful because if you do not believe in yourself or your abilities, why should anyone else? .Obstacles and roadblocks are a part of the journey to success, and in this journey to success one will encounter people who will try to fail you, purposely try to put you down or you may get disappointed along the way but one should at least have the courage to stand up for oneself and to a believer.
Passion & Ambition:
In the words of Arianna Huffington, another successful entrepreneur, and the co-founder of the Huffington Post, “I see some people stay in one place because it is convenient or it is comfortable. But they are missing their passion,”
Being passionate is an absolute must to succeed. It is what keeps one motivated and eager to overcome obstacles in your way. Working with complete dedication no matter what comes your way is what leads one to conquer one’s goals. As they say “Love what you and do what you love” , if you are passionate about something, a job does not feel like a job, time flies when you are working on a solution to a problem, you forget the sacrifices you make all because you are passionate and ambitious about what you are into. Just follow your passion, spend your time with like minded people who encourage you and help you perform at your best and then once you have found your passion you build your business around it and see the wonders for yourself!
The Desire to learn:
In the words of Jim Konrath, another successful businesswoman, who is a renowned speaker and the author of the famous book “Selling to big companies and SNAP selling” where she quotes “If you are not learning, you are falling behind. Somebody else is getting better as you are becoming less valuable. I see so many irrelevant salespeople I want to cry. They stopped learning.
Learning is a journey, continually adding to your skill set is the need of the hour. In this fast-paced and ever-changing world, one must be continually learning and improving upon themselves to succeed. With new innovations and inventions coming in so frequently one must learn and adapt to new methods, techniques, and technologies to be relevant and successful. Change is inevitable they say, and one cannot change that but what one can do is adapt to it and embrace it. This helps bring out creativity in you.
Integrity and prioritization:
In the words of Marillyn Hewson, Chairman & Former President/CEO of Lockheed Martin
“Leaders must exemplify integrity and earn the trust of their teams through their everyday actions. When you do this, you set high standards for everyone at your company. And when you do so with positive energy and enthusiasm for shared goals and purpose, you can deeply connect with your team and customers.”
Integrity is being honest and having strong and unshakeable moral and ethical principles. At the end of the day there is no feeling greater than being proud of your accomplishments and achievements through utter dedication, honesty, and authenticity.
Anything is achievable through dedication, honesty, kindness and self-belief and the most successful women of the world have indeed proved it, and you can do it too. Good Luck!
How can women overcome challenges in the business world?
Women can overcome challenges by building strong networks, seeking mentors, and continuing their professional development. It’s important to advocate for oneself, set clear career goals, and leverage support systems both within and outside the workplace.
What are some benefits of having women in leadership positions?
Women in leadership positions can positively impact business outcomes by fostering a more inclusive work environment, improving team dynamics, and enhancing employee satisfaction. Studies have shown that companies with women in leadership roles often perform better financially and have higher employee retention rates.
Why should companies focus on gender diversity in their workforce?
Companies should focus on gender diversity because it can lead to a competitive advantage through diverse viewpoints and ideas. Gender-diverse teams are often more creative and better at problem-solving. Additionally, gender diversity can improve a company’s reputation and appeal to a broader customer base.
What role do mentorship and networking play for women in business?
Mentorship and networking are vital for women in business as they provide guidance, support, and opportunities for career advancement. Mentors can offer valuable advice and feedback, while networking helps build connections, open doors to new opportunities, and create a supportive community.
