Traditionally, world-wide, businesses have been led by men since the dawn of time and in many countries around the globe, this hasn’t changed.

Men are still in leadership positions at all levels, with very few (if any) women in roles that can influence decisions and business outcomes.

But the focus is changing as we attempt to achieve gender equality in business and encourage females, particularly as leaders, to contribute in more meaningful ways.

At the outset, this article is not written to inflate female leaders at the expense of gifted men who are leaders.

That would be counter-productive. Rather, my intention is to highlight what makes women good at leadership and to help outline what they continue to need, moving forward, to be effective at senior levels of any Company.

Gender inequality in business

Global gender inequality and mistreatment of women at all levels of society is being scrutinised (examples include the #MeToo movement and equal financial payment for women in Hollywood’s movie industry) and in many organisations, there is an intense focus on paving the way for women to sit in leadership positions.

To equal the imbalance and to give women a greater voice and role.

To be competent and capable female bosses.

Research

Evidenced by research, overall women make gifted leaders.

For over a decade, leadership research organisations such as Zenger Folkman have studied more than 45,000 leaders world-wide, across all industries, to understand what makes successful leaders and the differences in the effectiveness of male and female leaders. The findings are substantial.

Female bosses and nurturing

competencies

Women leaders are better at nurturing competencies such as developing others, inspiring and motivating others, relationship building, collaboration and teamwork.

However, the research also indicates that competencies where women score more highly are taking initiative, displaying integrity and honesty, and driving for results – which are not nurturing competencies.

The research outcomes also highlight that women are more effective at getting things done, being positive role models and delivering results.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/study-women-are-better-leaders

It doesn’t always work this way

Whilst I am talking about what makes female bosses great, I have also witnessed women in leadership positions who don’t lead well, fail to motivate their staff and are unproductive.

Regardless of gender, to excel at leadership there must be a willingness to learn the skills, practice the competencies and strive for perfection on an ongoing basis.

7 Skills female bosses must have

•  Master your art – get good at your skills and competencies and excel in your role.
• Have a voice – make impact by contributing at every level of your organisation, providing suggestions and advice to projects and others.
•  Build strong and supportive relationships around you – your team are the people who carry you.  Make them your greatest ally.
•  Be skilful in emotional intelligence – Contain your frustration and anger.  Stay calm and manage your frustrations well by thinking about what you say and do before swinging into action.
•  Communicate assertively and with Confidence – learn to stand your ground, have your say respectfully and back yourself all the way.
•  Have courageous conversations with Staff – when people under-perform these conversations are critical and need to be done well.
•  Be optimistic and approachable – people will follow a positive and personable leader wherever they go if necessary.

Gender equality at work

We all need to address gender inequality in our organisations, communities and society overall.

In line with the United Nation’s 17 global goals for sustainable

development, by working towards achieving these goals (including gender equality) we set the tone and direction for development world-wide, for the next 15 years.

By seeing both genders as equal and achieving the global goals, we will give the world a chance to end poverty and ensure that people’s human dignity and rights are respected, regardless of whether they are male or female.

You and your Organisation have a key role to play.

Feedback:  maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj