...that in a survey of 152 global CEOs, those interviewed say their jobs require an increased focus on emotional intelligence and interpersonal reactions to problems, collaboration and decision-making?
A January 2015 report from Pew Research, which suggests women in top positions are better than their male counterparts at working out compromises, being honest and ethical, are working to improve U.S. quality of life and standing up for their beliefs.
So what has changed in today’s CEO?
Is this a kinder, gentler era of leadership?
Why are things like “high emotional intelligence,” “interpersonal reactions” and collaboration coming to the forefront?
Are feminine leadership traits becoming more valuable in the C-suite?
The CEO Report – published at the World Economic Forum by worldwide executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles and The University of Oxford – is based on individual conversations with 152 CEOs from across the world.
The CEOs interviewed, collectively, have more than 880 years of experience, lead more than 5.8 million employees and generates a staggering 1.7 trillion in revenue.
There is an old marketing adage that says it's easier to meet a need than to create one. The concept for this self-coaching book came about because of the frustrations and conflict routinely expressed by our female clients.
There is so much to do and so little time.
Most articles and books that focus on time management have been written by men who don't understand female biology or female socialization. Having read books by many male authors, it's clear that they have one or more women doing a considerable amount of work for them--essentially "taking care" of them. Is it any wonder that the time management books that are out there don't work well in relieving the pressures working women routinely face?
In examining this time management dilemma, it became apparent that what these women were experiencing were not typical issues. Rather, they were trying to be all things to all people and had neglected their own priorities in the process. That is why the book is entitled: "When Doing It All Won't Do: A Self-Coaching Guide for Career Women." For the majority of women, there is an underlying problem.
The theme all these women appear to dance to is: Just because I can, I think I should.
Despite long days and a never-ending series of ways for her to improve, these women continue to seriously undermine their health, their family life, their careers and important relationships. Something needs to be done.
As coaches, we began our own journey to explore what was causing all the strain, stress, and frustration among generations of very bright and articulate women.
The original concept was for a full book; however, from the perspective of the time-strapped woman, it was decided to reduce its content into valuable insights and ways in which women can quickly put the new insight into practice.
This workbook is dedicated to all those hard working women who are willing to embrace liberating change. Remember, change always comes bearing gifts.
We live in stressful times. That is not an understatement. Things we have little control over.
"Is everything as urgent as your stress would imply?" Carrie Latet
We are keenly aware of all the many things we are responsible for---from managing the home, maintaining relationships, handling workplace issues, looking after our health, to name a few. Then there are all the expectations that others have of us, from spouses, to children, to relatives, to employers, to teachers and neighbors.
Although most of us recognize that moderate stress can help us to perform at a higher level, persistent stress can be debilitating and dangerous. Stress eats away our ability to manage both our time and our responsibilities. Hopefully, you are not one of those who want to wear their stress as a badge of honor to show how much you can handle!
Beware: Stress has a major impact both physically and psychologically. When we are continually under chronic stress, our body reacts whether we are aware of it or not.
Each of us has a limit beyond which stress becomes toxic, even deadly. Our resistance is lowered, our performance declines, our mental wellbeing gets derailed. There isn't a quick fix but successful people learn how to manage their stress.
Manage your life, manage your stress. Routinely create some healthy distance from your difficulties and the expectations of others. Participate in activities that give you pleasure. Nurture friendships with those people who make you feel good about yourself. Try laughing more. You could also start a Gratitude Journal. Each day for at least a month, write down three new things you ar grateful for.
Take another perpsective. Look at the stressful situation from various perspectives rather than just your own. Get input from others. Explore all the possibilities. Be determined to take action and embrace the change.
We're not talking churchology or religiousity. Whatever your belief system, it is important to believe in something greater than yourself. For some, this spiritual journey will be through their religious pursuits. For others, it will be a commitment to practices that illuminates their life signature. Then there are those who will simply want to acknowledge that life is a gift and to recognize the importance of taking care of your body with exercise, extra sleep and healthy food. It is recommended that you commit to the type of spiritual practice that helps fuel the light that is within.
Walk into almost any office and you'll see dress code violations--a woman wearing sheer black hose (too sexy), or a man sporting Docker khakis and a T-shirt when everyone else is wearing a tie (slacker). Our office attire speaks volumes about us. We want to look professional, well put together, and confident. Can clothes do this for us? Yes! But they can send unwanted messages too.
Here are some examples of dressing styles and the messages they send.
Eccentric clothing. We all know him--the guy who only wears plaid shirts and bow-ties, or the woman who favors flapper-style dresses with shimmery hose.
The message? Generating stares and conversation with your "look" will also generate thoughts such as, "Can I trust him to meet with our biggest client?" or "Why does she feel the need to express herself this way?" The best way to play the power game is to blend in. You can do it with style and originality, but try to draw your self-image inside the lines of what's generally acceptable.
Ostentatious jewelry. If you love to be dripping in gold and diamonds, great. But keep this look for your weekend and night life.
The message? Sporting too much bling says you're out of touch and makes coworkers wonder why you're even working. One expensive item--a gold watch, for example, or a pair of emerald earrings--can dazzle and enhance work wear. Too much, however, makes people suspicious, envious, or confused.
Comfort wear. Examples of attire that's too comfort-oriented are Birkenstock sandals, hiking boots, flannel shirts, floppy knit caps, or faux pajama bottoms.
The message? Whether you mean to or not, you're telling coworkers that you're super chill, and maybe even a bit flaky. Will they be able to count on you to put in long hours, to make your sales quota, and to sacrifice for the good of the team? Even for casual Fridays, items such as blue jeans may not be appropriate. Find out what "casual" means, and then dress a little nicer than required.
Runway fashion. Are you drawn to the latest cutting-edge designers? Their clothes may be too fashion forward for the office.
The message? Clothes that are super trendy may scare away colleagues and clients alike, making them feel intimidated by your aggressive style. One way to finesse this, if you really love a bit of flare, is to choose a single item--a shirt with an interesting cut, or a pair of ridiculously amazing shoes--and keep the rest of your outfit more mainstream.
The "uniform." Male or female, if you have a good, classic dark suit and pair it with a light-colored shirt--I call this "the uniform"--you've made a safe choice that may be appropriate in many different settings, depending on how you accessorize.
The message? Wearing the uniform pegs you as conservative, a tag that can either help or hurt your image, depending on your company and industry. But this combo tends to read "polished" if the suit is well-fitted and the shirt pressed and crisp. When in doubt, the uniform won't usually steer you wrong. If your colleagues are more casual, remove the jacket.
Vicky Oliver is a leading career development expert and the multi-best-selling author of five career books, including her newest, Live Likea Millionaire (Without Having to Be One) (Skyhorse, 2015). She is a sought-after speaker and seminar presenter and a popular media source, having made over 700 appearances in broadcast, print, and online outlets. For more information, visit vickyoliver.com.
Choosing to take the appropriate measures to advance our careers is a significant decision. Ultimately, the right decision for one woman may be entirely wrong for another. The choice belongs to each of us. Industry asks and expects a lot. But the demands will only change when women push through changes so no one will be expected to sacrifice family for success in business.
After spending time in the corporate world, many women choose to open their own businesses so they have more control over their time.
Opportunities routinely surface for those who are prepared. However, true opportunities need to be the right fit in terms of our personal visions and goals.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis pointed out, “If you bungle raising your children, nothing else that you do matters much.” She spoke the truth.
Here is a freelance article by Gemma Champion that illustrates how such a career transition happens:
Before my sons were born, I would have said that becoming a freelance writer was an aspiration, but far too risky for me to ever try. I wouldn’t have expected motherhood to turn me into a risk-taker where the financial security of my family is concerned.
In the event, though, it hardly felt like a risk at all. Mostly I’m just really glad to be able to spend so much more time with my boys while they’re growing up – now that my commute has reduced to the distance from kitchen to study.
Not only that, but being a mum has given me a creative and pragmatic approach that has really helped me. Some freelancers find the hardest thing about getting started to be setting their own schedule, but as a mum that’s not an issue I’ve ever had. I know that specific times of the day are mine to work, and knowing that my time is limited has actually made me more productive than I ever was in an office.
One thing that has come out of the recession is a boom in people becoming self-employed. There are many advantages: flexibility and work-life balance, as well as being able to go in directions you might never have considered before.
According to a poll commissioned by the Association of Independent Professionals and the Self Employed (IPSE), women are taking advantage of this at twice the rate of men – and a lot of those women are mothers, who, like me, really value the ability to choose their own work and schedule while still being able to spend time with their children.
To begin with, it was a steep learning curve, and I’ve been lucky to have the support of my family while I’m getting started – it took me a while to get into the swing of freelance writing, and find my niche. Having said that, if you’d told me that becoming a stay at home mum would have been the best decision to inject some creativity and control into my career, I wouldn’t have believed you – and yet here I am.
I’m much happier now, I’m creatively fulfilled, and I get to be at home during the day to spend precious time with my kids. Becoming a mum undoubtedly showed me what my priorities really were, and gave me the courage to achieve them.
For information on how you too can think about such a career transition, please consider reading one or more of the following self-coaching books:
"Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. One woman gets only a week's value out of a year while another gets a full year's value out of a week." Charles Richards
Our personalities, personal preferences, and our specific strengths require that each of us understand what works best for us in terms of getting organized.
A simplified example is that the linear thinker is content with doing one thing at a time, the visual person will want to be able to see what needs to be done, and the creative type enjoys thinking and doing a number of things all overlapping. To work effectively, we need to understand what works for us.
Technology has helped in many ways but it has also overloaded us. We know that if we don't prioritize our activities, we find ourselves spread so thin that we won't have time for those things that are important to us.
Whatever system you choose to use, whether personal or professional,begin each year going through and highlighting all recurring events on your calendar. Schedule your "think times" and also your "catch-up times." Use your calendar for follow-ups, tracking projects, or list the names of people to contact, etc.
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