Why You May Want a Woman Running Your Company

Friday 22 June 2018

Article by Keith Martino

 

Times have changed.

Competitive advantage is a big deal. And the ability to focus your team around a singular mission is crucial. But do you have the right person leading the charge? That’s the question!

After all, the ability to inspire your team to contribute their discretionary efforts is demanded in this hyper-competitive marketplace. And most companies don’t have the dedicated loyalty of their people. Do you? As you look into the future, you may find a new strategy is timely.

Consider our headline in the context of these trends already underway:

• Change is coming faster that we can comprehend.
• The diversity of the workforce has never been more pronounced.
• Unity and clarity of mission have never been more difficult to achieve.

In times like these courage and strategic thinking are crucial and strong relationships matter. Especially the relationships your company develops with your customers, instills between your employees, and forges with key suppliers. Trust throughout these relationships will secure the bedrock of your future. Protecting your company’s valuable culture is paramount.

Stated differently… Trustworthy relationships secure the heart of your company culture. And many times, women prioritize relationships more instinctively than men. It’s in their DNA. You may need a healthy dose of trust injected into the veins of your organization.

We are predicting and encouraging a record number of women to step into the role of owner, entrepreneur or CEO over the next few years. Our forecast is not based on quotas or movements. In our view, that’s demeaning. We’re basing our expectations on the requirements for our times. And the times have changed. We believe more women than ever will find the door open to answer this leadership calling.

Do you have the right person who has the courage, strategic mindset and sensitivity to relationships as we’ve described. How do you know?

Ask yourself these five questions about the person predicted to lead your company:

1) Do they have the courage to do the right thing for everyone involved despite stiff opposition?
2) Do they think strategically about the impact of their words, actions and decisions?
3) Do they seem to value your customers, employees and strategic partners?
4) Do they demonstrate a clear vision for the future of your industry?
5) Do they build trust by communicating with a sense of transparency?

Change is coming faster than we can comprehend. The diversity of the workforce has never been more pronounced. Unity and clarity of mission have never been more difficult to achieve.

Tense times call for cool heads. Diverse ideas require unified execution. Clarity of thought enables effective communication. And the most important question you can ask yourself today is simple. Do you have the right person running your company?

Set gender aside and focus on the future! It may be time to ask an uncomfortable question.



Keith Martino is head of CMI, a global consultancy founded in 1999 that customizes leadership and sales development initiatives. Martino is the author of Expect Leadership , a series of four leadership books – The Executive Edition, in Business, in Engineering, and in Technology. He has also published three sales handbooks, Get Results, Results Now, and Selling to Americans . After more than 20 years and numerous awards at FedEx, Xerox and Baxter Healthcare, Martino and his team provide world-class counsel and proven web-based tools that produce consistent results.