Women 55+: Steps to Getting Through The Glass Doors

WOMEN 55+:? Open Those Doors

Women 55+ have and are still fighting those glass doors.? Here are 8 steps you can take to begin going through those glass doors.

The eight keys and brief descriptions are as follows:

1. The Power of Self-Confidence.? The concept of self-confidence is self-assurance in one’s personal judgment, ability, power, etc.? Self-confidence for women is the ability to face new challenges with optimism, walk into a room full of people with wet hair and less-than-perfect make-up, and still trusting that a smile and a friendly manner will be what interests and engages others (self-confidence.co.uk).? We aren’t born with this confidence, no one has it all the time.? Women have particular difficulty developing self-confidence.? We instinctively focus on everyone but ourselves.? (Maud Purcell).? To succeed in business we as women must work hard to develop this confidence.
2. The Importance of Eliminating Limiting Beliefs.? Most of us women have these self-limiting beliefs usually a result of our socialization.? We say to ourselves that I don’t want to fail so I won’t risk too much; or I don’t have the skills to run a business; or I am not smart enough; I have a disadvantaged background; or my dreams are impossible to achieve.? Yours may be different from mine but they are in the back of our minds and they are paralyzing.? Without erasing those beliefs, success in business is much harder, if not impossible, to achieve.
3. The Need to Set Boundaries.? Women, when they are in charge, often show more mercy and grace towards employees, but there still need to be boundaries (Gasnola, Sanlam En terries Supplier Development Programme).? Showing mercy is important, but only to a certain extent.? With no boundaries, people will walk over you, you may become over-committed because of an inability to say no to requests from employees and/or employers.? Success is out of reach with no boundaries in place.??
4. The Significance of Finding Your Voice.? We all have a voice.? It lives in your mind, your heart and your soul.? This voice leads you to self-discovery.? In order to build connections, find solutions and live in truth, you must use your voice.? Without using your voice you will become frustrated and may even stumble in achieving your goals (Keller-7 reasons why women must find their voice).? We, as women, are often afraid to be noticed, afraid of ridicule, attack, etc.? We have to get stronger and speak out when we know the subject matter.? Not speaking means not getting noticed which means others won’t see our talents and gifts and how we can add value to the business which ultimately means no great success.?
5. The Power of Handling Conflict Situations Effectively.? Conflict isn’t bad in itself, it actually aids in growth because of a diversity of ideas.? It is the way we handle conflict that becomes the sore spot.? Knowing how to deal with conflict in a calm but firm manner is the only way to succeed.? Stepping back and not handling conflict or blowing up are the wrong ways to deal with it.? Success in business (your own or one you are working in) depends on our being able to stand up with integrity and demonstrate to others the ideal way to handle difficult situations.
6. The Need for Laser Focus.? Laser focus means saying no to outside interferences such as, saying no to reading more and more articles or watching more TV or taking in more junk into your brain.? Instead of doing all of this - just DO (under30ceo.com).? Focusing enables us to work better, faster, and more consistent.? To succeed in business we must have that laser focus.? If we are doing too much multi-tasking we won’t have the end result we are dreaming of.?
7. ?The Importance of a Support Network.? When we women support support one another, we can all easily move up in our respective fields.? We don’t have to compete with other women, which only feeds into the patriarchal system that works against us.? Mutually helping one another is the way to success.? When I fall I want my support to help me back up; I want other women journeying with me.? Let’s celebrate each other.
8. The Impact of Making Failures into Opportunities.? As business leaders we are problem solvers.? There will be challenges every day.? Learn to take the risks and change when you need to.? Instead of wallowing in your mistakes, learn from them.? Don’t stop believing in yourself when you fail.? Acknowledge your mistakes and learn from your mistakes - marks of a great leader.? When a problem presents itself, don’t try to make it go away.? See it as a challenge and move forward.

Success in business and in our professional lives is attainable through hard work and determination.? Following the eight keys above is a means to that success.