Question

Select a female leader that faced challenges based on gender and whose circumstances would be different if the leader had been male. What challenges did this female leader face in the business world? How did the female leader you selected overcome those challenges?

Answer 1

Ans) Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, serves as a symbol for the country's modern economy and proves that power doesn't have to come from being loud or brash.

- Instead, she proves that a quieter demeanor still gets it done. And, by getting that done she means running one of the most efficient and economically healthy countries in the world that now is also Europe's biggest creditor to those nations that don't have it so together.

- Angela defies a lot of conventions in terms of being the leader of a country because she is divorced but remarried without children, a scientist that specialized in quantum chemistry, and East German.

- Although raised in a Communist state, she thought beyond those borders and took her mother's passion to pursue her interest in learning and keen interest in others and the world around her.

- Perhaps it was this and her analytical nature that led her into politics. When she experienced the fall of the Berlin Wall, a new world opened up to Angela and it was then that she really pursued politics.

- Since then, this quiet woman has gone up against powerful male rulers from all over the world, held her ground, and continued to lead the country through multiple terms with no competition in sight.

Overcoming challenges by:

1) Being Treated Equally:

- It is one of the biggest challenge for facing of equality in the workplace. My advice for women leaders everywhere is to go for what they want in their careers and not to give up. Hone the skills necessary to give you those opportunities, such as your communication skills, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. Raise your hand in meetings. Speak up, and be heard.

2. Building A Sisterhood:

- The biggest challenge today is garnering support from other women.

- Support and empower each other, starting with our basic principles of who we are — our morals, values, integrity. We must be just. Be humbled, show togetherness, passion, excellence and enthusiasm toward laying the foundation for our progress through our work.

3. Generating Revenue:

- One of the biggest challenges my female clients currently face is growing their revenues. Money solves everything; it gives you freedom and choices. My advice is to focus on what generates revenue wherever you are. After all, if you don’t have revenue, you don’t have a business. For entrepreneurs, that’s called a hobby.

4. Being Confident:

- One of the biggest challenges is their confidence. But if you go in knowing this, if you are clear on your purpose and on what you are trying to achieve, then you will be successful in getting what you want.

5. Speaking Up:

- It’s not enough to be in a role or to sit at the table. One must also speak confidently, regardless of odds faced. Women leaders fear being ostracized or rejected; however, respect comes when one’s voice is heard.

- leaders to share their voice and perspective because it can help shape policy, the workforce and perspective. Make your presence known as a leader and collaborator for good.