We know that a woman is less likely to get to the boardroom than a man, but when does the gap start to open? How do we encourage those women just starting out on their careers as well as those at mid and senior levels? Be instilling confidence, encouraging visibility and building community
Last month I read “How Women Rise” by Marshall Goldsmith and Sally Helgesen. The book starts with a story of how Goldsmith and Helgesen once did a conference together. Goldsmith didn't prepare much and was pretty disorganised but won everyone over with his charm and subject knowledge. Helgesen spent hours preparing and worrying about how she would come across. Towards the end of the conference, Goldsmith finds out that his flight leaves earlier than he thought it did (did I say he was disorganised?), rushes off and leaves Helgesen to close on her own - which completely throws her as it wasn't in her plan.
Read MoreAccording to Tara Mohr in her book “Playing Big”, girls, in particular, learn at school to keep their heads down, do a good job, and assume their success will be noted. When success involves getting good marks in homework and exams, that works. But in the workplace, not everyone sees the good work we do. And with so many distractions for leaders at the moment, we need to work harder to make an impact.
Read MoreI’ve recently been reading the book “Lift as You Climb” by Viv Groskop. It’s different from other professional development books in that it mixes discussion on the issues that face women at work today, amongst the practical hints and tips on such areas as networking, mentoring and finding your voice.
Read MoreThe issue of confidence at work frequently comes up with my clients - not exclusively with women but often so. I was discussing this recently with a (male) business contact who asked, quite reasonably “why is confidence in the workplace such an issue for so many women?”
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