Women in leadership

By Shezna Shums

A workshop for women in middle management was held last Monday (7) at the Ceylon Continental.

The second seminar on Women In Leadership was held on Tuesday (8) at the Colombo Hilton. It was organised by the US Sri Lanka International Visitor Alumni and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.

The main facilitator/resource person was Susannah Shakow, and associated with her was Majorie Clifton of Clifton Consultants.  Susannah Shakow  is President of ‘Running Start,’ a programme based in the US dedicated to inspiring young women to run for political office and also increase women representation at all levels.

The workshop was essentially to inspire young women to think ‘leadership’ during their undergraduate years and was mainly for final year undergrads.

The speakers at the workshop explained how at the rate of development around the world, women are also taking part in this process, but in a much slower pace. Women in government, politics and even the corporate world are much less in number than men.

The importance of having women in all areas of the private and public sector is important for the future and to make suitable decisions regarding politics and business.

Women are good at managing affairs it was highlighted — looking after a family, running a home and coordinating the work of their children, is in itself a task. When women make decisions they take into consideration several factors and make a decision that is best suited.

Such advantages in decision making will help the country overall if more women are in the decision making process. Women in leadership positions will make decisions and bring up issues that are affecting them as a whole which in turn will benefit other women in the country and create a better environment.

There are women in leadership, but very few in number and this is what needs to be changed. It was taught that women should take the stand and know that they can be in the same high position in government and be confident of their work.

In many cases both men and women have similar qualifications, however in using these qualifications and taking themselves up the ladder is where women tend to be less in number when compared to men.

Even in the case of leaving early for a child’s event or taking time off while pregnant, women should still do their work and fulfil their other responsibilities; but as the more people see this happening the more of the norm it becomes.

It was highlighted that women have a particular style of seeing a problem and making decisions, and can make effective decisions and get things done.

The workshop provided useful insights to networking, public speaking, interviewing and how to project your best image.

The women who attended the seminar were taught that they should start by doing something rather than speak about an issue, and how not to let themselves down when offered challenges and feel inferior in any situation, but build their self image and go up the ladder.

Networking 101

Be confident — you may be nervous to meet people or think that everyone is watching you. Stay confidant and remember they are likely just as nervous as you are.

Say your full name — shake hands, look people in the eye and say your full name.

Repeat their name.

Engage them in conversation — ask them a question, what brought them to the event or engage them on a current issue.

Introduce people at the event to one another — work to connect the people in the room to each other through the information that you learn from them. Perhaps say ‘I just met someone who is also working on children’s issues, let me introduce you.

Work the room — try to meet as many people as you can, but don’t move too quickly and be rude. Engage people in conversation and then move on.

Get your message across during the conversation, find an opening to talk about your message whether you are looking for a job, running for office or raising money. Make it short and powerful so they remember you tied to your issue.

Ask for their business card — always remember to ask for their business card and to give yours. After the event remember to write on the back where you met them, something unique about them and when you met them. This will help jog your memory.

Close up the conversation. Perhaps you would say ‘It was great to meet you.  May I give you a call to follow up on ……’

Follow up

Remember that the people you meet could help you later in life, even if they don’t seem helpful now. You want to keep your networks of people large so that they can help you with job searchers and getting connected with people and organisations you care about.

 Don’t feel shy to reach out. Use your network to make you a successful leader.