What it takes for women to get to the top
In light of Yahoo!’s recent announcement of Carol Bartz being selected to take helm after Jerry, and then Internet rumors on whether other senior executive women at Yahoo! stay or go, I thought it was time to take a deep breath, sit back, and see what it takes for women to get to the top.
1. They’re Results Oriented
Women not only do they focus on achieving, if not beating, bottom line goals, they are able to consistently meet if not beat results year after year. They don’t talk big then not deliver, they deliver with a team willing to help them make those goals.
2. They’re Pragmatic
They do things that are logical, not emotional. They look at facts and historical information to make decisions and judgment calls.
3. They’re Strategic
They don’t just think about the operational side of the business. They are creative and think big. They connect dots with what the market needs to what the business could deliver to fill that need. They identify opportunities that are good strategic decisions for the business before other leaders see them, and then steer the business in that direction.
4. They’re Efficient
They have a system of processes, people and technology in place to filter the important from the not so important. They delegate effectively so progress can continuously be made. They pay attention to what matters the most so ensure balls don’t get dropped.
5. They’re Responsive
No matter how much they have on their plate, they are responsive to the needs of the organization. They are known to not sit back and let things happen, but take action.
6. They’re Out Spoken
They are willing to go out on a limb and speak up when things don’t seem quite right, or, stick up for an idea. They will fight for what is right for the business.
Are you results oriented, pragmatic, strategic, efficient, responsive and out spoken? Do you have role models at your office or in your community you look up to? Is there an area you feel you could work on to help you get to the next step in your career? Have you asked your local women executives to mentor or coach you?
Identify one of the above characteristics, find a mentor and improve on skills to help you move to the top in 2009 – if you have what it takes to get there, then what’s holding you back?
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