Learning as we go

Learning as we go

Learning as we go

The Chinese used to pay their physicians to keep them well!

This philosophy is aligned with my preferred orientation to life as regards developing people, namely a pro active orientation. Over the last seventeen years in my work with women I have noted that there are a number of areas where women need to develop competence. Should they do so, it is my belief that they would then be more able to fulfill their working potential and go further with their career aspirations.

?Let’s look at some of these areas. Many of us were raised to be ‘good girls’. The consequence of this in the world of work is that we are uncomfortable around asserting ourselves and negotiating for what we want. Research has been done which indicates that women accept a first job offer, whereas men negotiate for a better deal. Over the years that follow, this initial small discrepancy becomes significant and results in, the difference in financial ability to, afford regular overseas holidays, send your child to a private school, or pay off your bond.

It is well noted in the insurance industry, that women are more risk averse than men. At work this makes a difference as follows. Let suppose that a man is offered a promotion. He believes that he is comfortable with 50% of the new job content. Typically he will be prepared to take the risk and learn the rest over time. Women on the other hand may be familiar with 80% of the job content, but still feel insecure about the remaining 20% and may decide not to take the job, and allow it to go to someone else, that they suppose is more deserving.

?The theme of not deserving probably underlies much of what differentiates men and women. Coaching is a point in mind here. Men utilize coaching more to further their careers, whereas women are reluctant to ask their superiors to invest in this type of development for them.

A lack of self esteem is at the epicenter of most female issues. ?Poor self esteem may result in the avoidance of growth opportunities. It leads to the experiencing of guilt feelings when standing up for one’s rights. Often women prefer to keep the peace rather than attempting to confront or change the status quo. Sadly, not expressing how we truly feel results in our experiencing stress and anxiety, which results in health problems.

Men network more easily and practically than women. Women need to differentiate between the need to be someone’s new best friend, versus simply being able to help each other out, with access to information, resources and opportunities.

Branding ourselves to be memorable is yet another opportunity for development for women.? The theory tells us to focus on our strengths rather than our weaknesses. It is in the awareness and acceptance and development of these unique strengths that women may differentiate themselves, and contribute in a significant and relevant manner to the world of work.

Strategic thinking is vital for career advancement. Most often when women do well at work and are hoping for career advancement, they work harder and do more of the same in an effort to be noticed. This tactic often does not have the desired effect. What needs to be done is that the next level of work needs to be studied and understood for the competencies required there. Those identified skills then need to be learned, and the person then needs to put herself out there, make herself visible and declare her competence, as well as then being prepared to take higher risk assignments. In this manner both her visibility and her credibility will be enhanced.

?When management has to make a choice between promoting a person who is a specialist in one field, versus another, who has had broader exposure to different business units, they will inevitably select the latter.

Politics at work! An arena much frowned upon by many. The truth is that as soon as there are a number of people interacting the games will begin. Political acumen in the world of work is essential. Where there is a perception of limited resources and a need for power, people will try and influence the environment to reflect positively on them. The bottom line is that you may not be a political person, but you had better acknowledge that politics exist, be able to analyze the game, and determine your response. Should you not be able to do this you will be come an unwilling victim.?

?Personal mastery and emotional intelligence are at the crux of all of the above. As responsible citizens we need to be accountable and take responsibility for becoming competent in the current world of work as it is. When we arrive in positions of influence, we will then be able to infuse the world of work with a touch of feminine and relationship intelligence.

?For information on our ?“New Managers Program”, and the Strategic Women in Leadership Program, please email [email protected] . Visit www.matjekemhoila.co.za . @Dr Renate Volpe i keep on learning on all lessons. Thank again,

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