Was very glad to be partcipating in the Grace Hopper Conference, 2010 at Bangalore today which brought in women and technology together.
I love being in sessions like this and hearing achievers share their experiences and show us some direction..
Some topics like which showcased how to ask for what you want in your professional life was very interesting and how can we make ourselves heard, was another topic which set me thinking.. not that I lack being heard… but it gave me a different perspective to work with the women I manage. Are they asking for what they want ? Do they know what they want ? Are they being heard.
As a leader, how can I ensure that this works for the women in my team.. I have strong women who are very technical and know where they are going, I have women who have just stepped into their family life and I can see them trying to manage their work life aspect.. and as a bystander… more than a manager, I cannot appreciate the fact that they do it very well.. that would not be a problem.
The focus is how do we set a direction for ourselves..
At first, as a leader, its important that we set a direction for ourselves, if we are clear about our goals and objectives, we know where and how to lead the team.. of men and women..
I was humbled and overjoyed to see so many successful women doing so many things.. and I felt like I am not alone in striving to be a wholesome individual… who has a satisfying career and yes a very happy and contented personal life as well.. sometimes, in the thick of things, we tend to lose our objectives.. and well its good to keep equal focus on both.
Women : Empower yourselves… not because you are a woman but you are someone with substance.. I would say that about men as well. If you are someone who continously pursue excellence and continously prove without effort that you are THE resource to do the work.. and deliver well… you will go ahead no matter what.. again, I would agree with one of the speakers that this depends on where you are.. in a metropolitian city or in the suburbs.. ( there the story would be very different, I am sure)
But at the risk of being myopic, let me talk about what I can do today,as a leader..
- I can bring in a right direction to the team
- I can motivate the women in my team to always be the best despite their dependencies ( family, babies, husbands inlaws.
- I can set an example by being unbiased and not getting emotional about stuff..
- I can also show the team that we are doing pretty good in comparison to our competitors and be proud and satisfied about it.
- I would also show that if you water the grass on your side, it will always be greener on your side..
- I can create enough opportunities for the women to get going.. and they are already there..
There are so many ways to empower oneself… we just have to look inside.. what do we need to do to make ourselves happy at work and at home..
Do you have activities which lets you explore your passions / hobbies ? If not make one.. I am looking forward to learning sketching and painting.. and pottery when I have the time.. besides drooling over riding long miles in a Harley Davidson ( when its affordable)
Have you checked with yourself to see if you are only giving.. I keep reiterating specially with my women friends and I learnt this by observing my mother.. that its not enough to just give..
Be gracious enough to receive help and care when its shown to you.. rather than shaking that off and behaving like a superwoman and being perceived as one..
Be proud of contributing towards your family and your professional self…
And last but not the least, I liked the idea which one of the women said : MARRY RIGHT Buahahah !!!
Well, I guess thats it.. for now.. looking forward to tomorrow’s sessions..
“And last but not the least, I liked the idea which one of the women said : MARRY RIGHT
Buahahah !!! ”
I did this and can’t agree more. buhaha!