JUST ACT NATURALLY

WOMEN with their sights set on leadership should embrace the qualities that come naturally to most of their gender, rather than trying to be more like men.

These characteristics, such as emotional intelligence, are often highly sought by employers looking for effective leaders.

Research from global training provider TalentSmart finds 90 per cent of top performers have high emotional intelligence.

Although women are under-represented in leadership positions, the rates are improving. New data from the Australian Government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency reveals women have increased their presence in management in the past five years, now comprising almost 40 per cent of managers and almost a third of key management personnel, which is the level just below chief executive.

Business owner Dr Kristina Cain says some people think women must toughen up to be a boss, but nothing could be further from the truth as “women are natural leaders”.

“A lot of the characteristics that make women good mothers translate to business and help them support and motivate their team,” the owner of Refresh Dental Spa says.

“We are nurturing, great at multi-tasking, empathetic and more inclined to think outside the box to find a solution to a problem.”

Carsales general counsel and company secretary Nicole Birman says women often have higher emotional intelligence, which is vital in leadership.

“I try to focus on EQ (emotional quotient) and empathy, and awareness of my impact on others,” she says.

“I think it’s really important to understand the impact your actions have on those around you and ensure others feel valued and empowered to give their best. There are definitely men who are great at that as well, but it has potentially been traditionally a female quality to focus on EQ.”

Birman says women who want to pursue leadership opportunities must take control.

“Women (must) not to be passengers in their own careers,” she says.

“You don’t have to map everything out but you need to be proactive and seek out the opportunities presented to you.

“It’s important not to wait for all the world to align for the perfect time for something.”

Her other advice for aspiring leaders is to never complain without having a solution and to find good mentors.