San Francisco Womens Journal » Leadership

Sr. Women Corporate Leaders: Contributing on Purpose!

SFWJ — Wed, 05 May 2010 11:09:35 +0000

Sometime around our late thirties we begin to feel that changes in our outlook on life are starting to take place. We begin to feel some shifts in our ways of approaching things, in the way we feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

As the years go by, that process continues and we feel shifts in interests, priorities, and desires.

Different Perspectives

I remember moments for me when I wasn’t sure if I was in the right career, the right place in my career, the right marriage – or did I want to be married at all. A cottage by the ocean writing a book in front of the fireplace with my dog curled up near me seemed really appealing. I didn’t feel in crisis, I just felt in a kind of limbo where I was looking at everything from different perspectives.

When I work with clients experiencing this, I call it “being out of site of land”. It seems to resonate with people.

What Now?

Most senior women leaders are interested in conceptual leadership. You may have climbed that ladder and are NOW in a position to contribute to your organization in a way that is more purposeful and personally creative. The climb up that ladder has opened new opportunities. You may want to place your ladder against a different wall within your organization or in a different organization.

This is a good time to ask yourself some questions.

“How have I measured my success up to now?”

“How do I feel about what I am contributing in my current position?”

“What do I want to do that will hold meaning for me?”

It is also a time to realize that as you ”gracefully mature” you achieve a different level of respect and wisdom. And I mean that in the most positive way! You have gained life and professional experience that makes you a trusted resource to your organization, your peers and to those who are in the process of developing their careers.

It is a valuable way to look at yourself and appreciate the wisdom you have achieved!

The Door is Opening and Your Time is Now!

We are on the cusp of an important moment in our cultural evolution. We are beginning to see a great acknowledgement of what women bring to the table. Women are being recognized as needed and valued contributors.

It is time for you to acknowledge to yourself the contributions that you have made. It is also time to access where you are, and where and how you want to make your next contributions. The door is opening wide and your time is now.

Barbara Mark, Ph.D. is the CEO and Founder of Full Circle Institute. FCI is a leadership development company for female executives. Dr. Mark is a thought leader in the area of Women in Leadership and Leadership for the Future. She has been working with women in business for nearly three decades and is committed to the advancement of women for the good of all. You can learn more by visiting Full Circle Institute.

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Effective Leadership Begins with Knowing Yourself

SFWJ — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:19:08 +0000

When she was five my niece, Riley, launched a question to the front seat of the car. “What is a self? What does it mean when I say, myself?”

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

“That one is for you, Auntie Babs,” remarked my sister, looking relieved to have me along for this particular ride. This question started a conversation between my niece and myself that continued over dinner that night and included her nine-year-old brother.

To Do Anything Well…You Must Know Yourself

We talked a lot about knowing oneself, about likes and dislikes, about preferences and values. It is the kind of conversation that continues with my clients as we explore their experience of leadership.

Riley observed, accurately, that in order to do anything well you must really know yourself. You must know what you like to do and how far you want to take it. You must know what makes you happy and what does not. You must know what makes you feel strong and what depletes your energy.

At this point, Riley was exploring her commitment to soccer and was noticing what makes her a better player. Her brother, Patrick, chimed in with insights about why he likes to write and how he wishes to enlighten and entertain people with his writing.

Both Riley and Patrick are bright, bold and curious people, and great models for anyone in a position of leadership. They are learning about themselves, as you must – by self-exploration.

Self-Exploration Leads to Effective Leadership

No one can teach you about you and how to be yourself. However, through conversation and a willingness to reveal yourself to yourself and to others, you get to know who you are and what’s important to you. Knowing yourself will clarify what direction you want to take and how you to get there.

It is through this ongoing process of self-revelation that you are able to be an effective leader. Without this, you are rudderless as will be your organization.

Begin the Process with these Questions

Ask yourself now:

Who am I?
How do I know that?
How do I feel?
How do I reveal myself to myself moment by moment?
How do I see myself in my actions and my interactions with others?
Where do I want to go?
What impact do I want to have on others and on the world?
What energizes me?
What depletes my energy?
What brings me joy?
What triggers me?
What increases my ability to think creatively?
What shuts me down?

Riley and Patrick are nine and thirteen now. Riley plays soccer with passion. Patrick has written his second book and has sent it to a publisher. They continue to inspire me. Who will you inspire today?

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Women in Leadership…It is Up to YOU!

SFWJ — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 12:10:00 +0000

Let’s take a look at how the year has started for women in corporate leadership. In the month of January well over fifty women were given major job appointments at large corporations.

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

Companies such as Intel, Farmers Insurance Group, Sempra Energy, Associated Press, Microsoft, Citi Private Bank, AK Steel, Procter & Gamble, Gatorade, Scripts Networks Interactive, Westinghouse, TV Guide Network, B of A, McGraw-Hill, Cost Plus, Interpublic Group, Comcast Cable, TIAA-CREF, McDonalds, Credit Suisse, Business Wire, Williams Sonoma, A&P, Webster Financial, Frontier Communications, Accenture, and Private Bancorp, are among the companies who promoted women into to top roles.

This is well above last year and the year before! Women in education, women in non-profits and women entrepreneurs are out there rockin’ and rollin’ as well.

Knock and Opportunity will Answer

The opportunity to lead in large venues is there if you aspire to it. Yes, you have to want it and you have to work hard to get it, but you won’t be stopped by the proliferation of various types of ceilings that used to stand in our way.

Women are gaining ground, credibility and influence. It is a great time for women to express the need for more flexibility, more access to training and more access to coaching to create enhanced opportunities, skills and confidence. These are opportunities that should not be wasted!

Leadership Opportunities Exist in Other Areas of Your Life

And, while these opportunities are out there in corporate America, you can be a leader in many other environments. Look around your life and you’ll find opportunities to be a leader in your family, your neighborhood, your church, and your children’s schools. The list is almost endless.

It is your time to express yourself and contribute in ways that are meaningful to you and to whatever group you choose to contribute to.

Post 2009 Era is Welcoming Women

However, let’s get back to women in corporate America – whether it is your corporation or someone else’s, the post 2009 era is one that is particularly welcoming to women. Women have more economic influence than ever and more women are graduating with advanced degrees. More women are starting businesses and more women are getting advanced to senior levels!

There are sectors that are still a bigger challenge – tech, science for examples – but the trend is started, let’s keep it up.

Lend a Hand-Up to Other Women

As women we can go a long way to support each other and to build each other’s confidence while we build our own.

We have the chance and the obligation to reach out to peers, to co-workers, to direct reports, to our global neighbors and to our young women and girls to show them that we believe in them and ask them to believe in us.

We can mentor and be mentored and we can watch the workforce of women grow at all levels. We can lend a hand out there to make significant changes in the world we live in – to make it the world we want to live in.

Yes we can!

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Women Leaders: Economic Downturn or Opportunity?

SFWJ — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:39:32 +0000

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

I think there’s much to be grateful for as a result of the economic downturn, despite the many challenges we have faced. The difficulties have opened the door to consider new options and to re-energize!

On a personal note, I’ve learned to trim expenses that I never imagined were possible. I’ve learned that there are pairs of shoes that do cost less than a new set of tires and I’ve developed a strong appreciation for BevMo’s 5 cent wine sale!

But what gets me more energized…is that the economic downturn has created an opportunity for Corporate America to stop and consider the positive impact on their bottom line when women are in leadership positions. And for this I am grateful!

We can also be grateful to organizations like Catalyst whose recent research shows that companies that have more women in the C-Suite and on the Board, enjoy greater profits by more than 30%! The research also shows that having women in top positions improves moral and increases the social performance of the company.

Now that is really something to get excited about in these difficult economic times!

There is a Clear Picture of the Business Case for Women’s Initiatives!

1. We’re seeing many more women than men graduating with MBA’s and more companies looking to train and retain their female talent. They want to have people ready and able to step up when the current top brass retires.

2. Woman, are also recognized as the economic decision makers in most households and hold significant economic sway in the market place. Any company that doesn’t know that they should be marketing to women has been living in a very dark, quiet place – like under a rock!

3. There are more women in the political lime light than ever before. Woman are commanding and getting a new level of respect and enjoying a powerful relevance in the public’s eye. We can clearly see those cracks in the marble ceiling!

So…Now What?

What does this mean for women interested in leadership in Corporate America?

It means that NOW is a really good time to show your stuff.

More companies want to retain their top female talent and they’re trying harder to create supportive initiatives for women. These include training, flexibility and an understanding that people – both men and women – have families that they care about and want to spend time with.

You Have to Do Your Part!

It is time to get clear on your aspirations. Learn what you need to learn to position yourself for the career trajectory you want.

Position yourself to offer what only women can offer – a woman’s view of risk tolerance, a different perspective on problem solving, and a collaborative approach to creating success.

Do the strategic thinking and planning with your family. Talk with your family so that no one is surprised by what you want, and what you need to do to be confident and ready as you step up!

Remind yourself that it’s an organic process. As you move through your life and career, there will be natural changes and more conversations to be had with more people.

But, you are in charge. Take advantage of this great time in the evolution of the business world and make you mark!

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Women Leaders: It’s Time for A New Conversation!

SFWJ — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 09:00:19 +0000

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

With only 6 CEO’s in the Fortune 100 and a paltry 15 in the Fortune 500, we might be inclined to believe that getting past the glass ceiling is a task beyond most women.

However, like the characters in the Wizard of Oz, we may find that it is our own limited thinking that contributes to keeping us from the top positions.

We’re able to define in great detail what keeps us from ascending to the highest leadership positions in Corporate America or in political leadership.

We’re able to identify the glass ceiling, the marble ceiling, the concrete ceiling, the glass cliff, the shattered cliff, the sticky floor, the lattice and the labyrinth… to name the most commonly perceived trips and traps.

It’s Time for a Different Conversation about Women as Leaders!

Let’s start having a very different conversation about women in leadership and let’s have that conversation everywhere.

As women, we come to leadership with skills that are different than those that men bring. Women are natural relationship-builders. Women are focused and yet can multi-task. Women are more collaborative; we want to win and have it be for the good of all. Women assess risk differently.

There’s a lot for women to hang their hats on and build confidence around. But we must begin to break down our own glass ceiling of trips and traps thinking.

We no longer have to learn to lead from men and adopt the masculine style of leadership. We can be women and bring all of our natural and authentic skills to the job.

Let’s begin talking about and honoring the unique leadership skills that women possess. Let’s start this conversation in our own hearts and minds as well as with women colleagues, with men, in businesses, in business schools, in any training programs, and in leadership programs.

A First: Fortune 500 CEO Woman-to-Woman Handover

On July 1, 2009, Ursula Burns became the first African American CEO of a Fortune 500 company. It was also the first woman-to-woman handover as Burns stepped in after Anne Mulcahy stepped down at Xerox. Mulcahy has been celebrated as the most successful female CEO to date, for her phenomenal turnaround of an ailing Xerox.

This is a stellar example of how the tide is turning in the business world’s assessment of and response to female CEO’s as well as the beginning of what needs to become a broad trend: women supporting and hiring other women in business.

The way business is conducted is also going through a major transformation. One of the most important factors is the ensuing flood of gender-blind, color-blind, work/life-integration-embracing Generation-Y workers. Half of those workers will be women.

Now is the Time!

Now is the time for women to step up to the challenge and be ready to be the leaders of today and tomorrow. Now is the time to embrace our natural leadership skills. And now is the time to begin working alongside our male colleagues, combing the best of feminine and masculine leadership skills to create a successful future for all of us.

What do you think?

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