We need the wisdom of women in business!!
I had an epiphany about my business this weekend...
Two separate events combined to make me reconsider who my ideal executive coaching client really is.
My oldest daughter and I had an intense, very mature conversation about work and life that felt more like she was asking for my wisdom rather than my advice.
I watched the Netflix special "The Light We Carry" with Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey which included a segment about how women tend to "come into their own" and become truly wise in their 50's.
I realized that over the last three years while building the executive coaching part of my business I had been focused almost solely on male senior executives. Boomer leaders have been disproportionately male and I've come to expect that, if I want to work with the C-suite, that's who I should target.
The epiphany came when I realized that my passion is to ensure the success of future generations in business and that what excites me the most is ensuring that successful women executives get the support they need to leave THEIR legacies to up-and-coming next generation women!
And what is a woman's "secret sauce"? Wisdom...
Research has suggested that there may be certain qualities and perspectives that are more commonly associated with women's wisdom than with men's and these are the qualities that I fervently feel are often missing in companies that struggle to succeed.
One of the key characteristics of women's wisdom is empathy. Women are often socialized to be more attuned to the emotions and needs of others, which can lead to a greater capacity for empathy and understanding. This can enable women to make decisions that take into account the perspectives and well-being of a diverse range of individuals.
Another potential characteristic of women's wisdom is a focus on collaboration and community building. Women have historically been responsible for maintaining social networks and supporting the well-being of their families and communities. This experience can translate into a greater emphasis on cooperation and teamwork, as well as a willingness to prioritize the needs of the group over individual interests.
In addition, women's wisdom may be characterized by a strong sense of intuition and intuition-based decision-making. Research has suggested that women are more likely to rely on their gut instincts and emotional responses when making decisions, rather than relying solely on logic and analysis. This can lead to a more holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making, as well as a greater emphasis on personal values and beliefs.
Now, it is important to note that these characteristics are not exclusive to women and that men can exhibit them as well. But I think that there is something to be said for coaches to ramp up acknowledgement and use of women's wisdom in the workplace.
