Marcia's Leadership Q and As: Women Who Help Women
/Q. There are more and more women’s conferences, support groups, and women aspiring into more executive and Board roles. The progress seems slow. Why?
A. For the women who have succeeded moving into the C-suite or onto Boards, how did they progress? Certainly, they worked hard. And has anyone helped them?
As women of influence are periodically honored by the media and colleagues across the nation, we see women are recognized. But are they achieving more success in obtaining Board seats, moving into the C-suite, or making a difference?
The relevant question to address today is, how are women helping women? Groups come together and network. But are they achieving progress and success in helping catapult other women and sometimes their friends into impactful, influential positions?
There are two reflective questions. One is, “How often are you referring women you know to others for a position, a Board seat, a speaking engagement, or any place she could add value? How often are you being supportive? The second question is, “How committed are you to mentoring or influencing other women without expectation of anything in return?”
Many men refer, sponsor, and guide women into new fulfilling career paths. While they still have more of the executive positions, many are committed to supporting women’s career growth.
The question is, how are women supporting other women’s career growth? Do they fight to pay them what they’re worth? Do they open new doors and invite them to important events or conferences to share their wisdom on panels? A question of reflection, how are you doing in actions?