Women have always been great leaders. From Joan of Arc to Rosa Parks, women leaders throughout history have changed the way we live and championed more progressive, just futures.
But in the business world, popular opinion falsely dictates that men make for better entrepreneurs. This is, of course, complete nonsense — just ask Oprah Winfrey, Martha Stewart, or Mary Ellen Egan.
However, becoming an entrepreneur and leading a successful business takes more than self-belief and a desire to overcome social norms. To find success as entrepreneurs, women must develop and define their key leadership skills.
Women-Owned Businesses
In a truly egalitarian world, there would be no need to champion and celebrate women-owned enterprises and entrepreneurs. However, we don’t live in an equal, egalitarian society. Despite recent progress, only 15% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women. This means women entrepreneurs should consider certifying their business as woman-owned.
Becoming certified as a women-owned business can help women entrepreneurs overcome social barriers and level the playing field for women leaders. There are two kinds of certification that are supported by the federal government:
- Women Owned Small Business (WOSM)
- Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSD)
Gaining certification as a WOSM or EDWOSD can help women define their leadership skills as certification grants women entrepreneurs access to unique development opportunities. WOSM or EDWOSB certified businesses can also partner with larger businesses and networking opportunities that are not typically granted to women in business.
Mental Clarity
Women are often stereotyped as being less focused or driven than men. Some folks even justify this opinion with “neurosexism” and claim that men’s and women’s brains are wired differently — a claim that has recently been rebutted by researchers from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. This stereotype is as false and harmful as it holds women to unachievable standards of laser-like focus and determination.
Nuerosexism is an issue best left in the past, but it is important to recognize that many women entrepreneurs hold far more responsibilities than men. Women who lead in the workplace often return home and have to switch hats to become domestic mothers or wives, while men of the same occupation may be more likely to relax after an equally hard day in the office.
Wearing multiple hats as an entrepreneur can be rewarding. Leading as a businesswoman during the day and being a great parent in the evening is something many entrepreneurs aspire to. However, juggling these roles requires great mental clarity.
Women can improve their mental clarity and critical thinking skills by learning to mind map. Mind mapping can reduce stress around important decisions. Visual thinking can also help women identify areas of concern and give room for analysis and assessment of upcoming events or challenges. Learning to mindmap is a surefire way to improve key leadership skills and ensures that women entrepreneurs can succeed in every aspect of their lives.
Conflict Resolution
The business world can be a difficult place for anyone. Tempers often run high when the success of the business is on the line and it’s hard to know who is right in the heat of the moment. Women entrepreneurs can navigate difficult decisions with grace and clarity by learning key conflict resolution skills.
Conflict resolution is an important skill for all leaders. In business and life, learning how to navigate arguments and disagreements is just as important as having a great product or business plan. Women entrepreneurs can develop their conflict resolution skills by:
- Practicing conflict resolution in a safe, workshop-like setting
- Attending professional development conferences that focus on conflict resolution
- Taking time to address conflict intentionally (mind maps, active listening, calming participants)
- Reflect on conflict after it has passed and consider better steps for the future
Becoming a conflict resolution expert isn’t just an issue for women entrepreneurs. However, it is still one of the most important skills to master during a company’s growth phase. Learning to handle conflicts when they arise ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the business’s culture and goals.
Self-Care
Women entrepreneurs are often held to higher standards than men. This can lead to stress, as women business leaders believe they have to be better than their counterparts who are men to prove a point.
However, practicing self-care is vital for the long-term health and success of all CEOs. It is particularly important for women leaders, who may find extra pushback compared to men in the same position. Regularly practicing self-care of any form can help women leaders protect their mental health and ensure that they have time and energy for all of their employees.
Conclusion
Women entrepreneurs can define and improve their leadership skills by routinely investing in themselves. Getting certified as a women-owned business is a good first step as this may open up opportunities for funding and networking in the future. Women can further their leadership skills by taking up opportunities for self-care and learning to manage conflicts when they arise.
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