What is it that makes her so successful?
They’re making their mark. They’re getting results. They’re highly skilled and passionate about their work…
As more and more women rise in the ranks of the business world, it is becoming increasingly known that successful female leaders possess a few common traits which mark them out as a force to be reckoned with.
You don’t have to a ‘born leader’ to be an excellent leader. Many of the basic good leadership skills can be learned and perfected through practice and dedication – and this is the key to many women’s success stories.
Vision
Women that succeed as business leaders have a clear vision of where they are going and where they want to be. This is the subtle difference between a leader and a manager. A leader believes 100% in her vision, has the ability to clearly and accurately articulate this vision to the team and the drive to see it through to completion.
Positive Focus
Great women leaders focus on getting results – in themselves, in others and in the business. They work hard, maintain a positive outlook and find solutions. Successful women, especially mothers, have the ability to manage their business life without jeopardizing family time or being occupied with domestic responsibilities during prime work focus hours. Focused leaders are confident, enthusiastic and great to work along with. Their ego is contagious and draws the team together towards a common goal.
Honesty
The essence of good leadership is transparency. Effective women leaders are truthful, both with themselves and others, in every situation, all the time. Qualities of honesty and integrity can’t be ‘put on’ and team members will be quick to pick up whether or not their leader is genuine and can be trusted.
Courage
Having the guts to make a decision and stick with it is essential for a great leader. Women who are not afraid to take that leap of faith, go against traditional business methods or think outside the square to find solutions, are ones that provide a great lead. Courage is a virtue that cannot be feigned and will be sure to draw out the confidence of team members.
Planning
The ability to plan ahead, forecast with reasonable accuracy and see clearly where an industry is headed, is, without doubt, one of the biggest traits of great women leaders. A woman that can anticipate the future and keep one step ahead of her competitors, is one that will succeed. Having a clear strategy is essential and the ability to plan without getting side-tracked is invaluable.
Goals
Kicking goals is an important part of building a business, sure, but it also encourages team comradery. Setting realistic goals for your business is central to being able to achieve them. A successful woman knows this. So while celebrating every little win might seem a bit over the top, it’s an important part of building a team and working together.
Communication
Successful women are team players. They take time to get to know and understand each team member and build a strong system of communication and trust. They can anticipate how individuals in the team will react to various situations and they are quick to sense any conflict between personal and diffuse such situations. They are prepared to come down to the level of each person in their establishment and work to elevate them, rather than using such tactics as tyranny or intimidation.
Empathy
Women’s emotions have in the past been seen as a hindrance rather than a help. It was believed that showing emotion or empathy for someone could hurt your career or make you less successful. However, what we are seeing more and more is that successful women naturally have the ability to utilise emotions such as empathy to pursue greatness. By operating in their abilities, they have a unique way of leading and understanding people to bring out the absolute best in them. This not only makes them exceptional leaders but also brilliant human beings.
Empathy is the ability to recognise and share in other people’s feelings. Simon Senek – Author of the book Leaders Eat Last states ““The lesson I’m learning is that I’m useless by myself. My success hinges entirely on the people I work with—the people who enlist themselves to join me in my vision. And it’s my responsibility to see that they’re working at their best capacity.”
Empathy in no way limits a person but launches a person into their full potential.
Great women leaders are making their presence known in the business world around the globe. They are showing themselves in every conceivable trade or organization and making their mark. And by taking on and practicing excellent leadership skills, you can take your own future up a level, from good to great!
Lousie Proctor
Louise Procter is a writer and Marketing Assistant for Wyatts Compensation Lawyers. Living by the beach on the sunny South Coast of NSW Louise enjoys creating content that Is informative and enjoyable to read. Her favourite topics to write about include women in business, effective marketing strategies and entrepreneur skills.
