Diversity and Leadership
Why is leadership and women complex? Over the past week, I have been reading an article by Fortune titled “the one quality too many woman lack” by Debbie Messemer. KPMG conducted a survey and the findings have shown that confidence is something too many woman lack – “63% cited confidence as a main factor for women seeking advancement in the workplace, but six in 10 women said they find it hard to see themselves as leaders” We have seen this with our leadership coaching clients and work with them to overcome these issues.
What was most interesting was the solutions suggested by the article were that companies could provide for women to overcome these obstacles. They include:
- Ensure that Resources and initiatives that can help advance women are made available, or bolstered, where they are lacking
- Have positive role models
- Build a strong professional network
- Provide leadership training
Why did I find the above interesting? To ensure that you have the necessary resources and initiatives available this means that you (as an organization) are required to build on the foundations within your HR department or if this is not available, within the leadership team. Positive role models – what does this mean? Lead by example. Show the women in the team how to lead and how to mentor.
In order to build a strong professional network woman needs to reach out to those within her industry and develop that network. This ties in with having positive role models.
Leadership training is essential. You need to build on leadership skills. To develop within the organization. This will build not only diversity but leadership capability overall.
Along with leadership development coaching, another of 4igroup’s products that assist organization’s develop confidence and re develop their leadership team is organizational development. We provide a top down approach and work with you to identify and implement solutions to improve your leaders.
To discuss further please call Penny Litras on 0419320341 or via email pennyl@4igroup.com.au
Fortune article – fortune.com/2016/03/06/quality-women-lack/
