Women have head start in quest for new leaders
By Mosima Selekisho*
Women’s Day is a good time to share a secret … recent events give women executives a big opportunity to fulfil their potential as key contributors to corporate success as they are ideally placed to meet the growing need for a new type of corporate leader. A spate of organisational failures and mis-steps highlights the shortcomings of power leaders (corporate kingpins who operate on some elevated plane and go unchallenged for years) and self-serving leaders (who do well personally while their operations go to the dogs). Most women find it hard to ‘man up’ and embrace hard-driving, hard-nosed leadership styles.
Now they don’t have to. Increasing focus, worldwide and locally, falls on the advantages of servant leadership. The concept has been discussed for more than a generation by business gurus and corporate consultants. Simply put, servant leaders are there to serve the people and the organisation. Rule through fear or hierarchy is out. Rule through shared purpose and teamwork is in.
Most women have to make few adjustments when adopting this leadership style. Traditional roles as a mother and the pivotal figure in the household give them a head start. A key characteristic of servant leadership is listening skill. Any woman with children knows the importance of listening and absorbing information from several sources at once while being a calming influence.
Children with a problem want mother to fix it. Subordinates with problems want the same. The servant leader responds by getting them to open up, share perspectives, look at options and together decide the way forward. Leaders like this are not there to further their own agenda. They are happy to meet the needs of others. Peers and subordinates go to them to tap their knowledge, experience and skills, which the leader is happy to share. A servant leader (like mother) shows empathy. This type of leader is accessible. Insights are shared. Feedback is constant.
Suggestions can be made and ideas debated. No one worries about who gets the credit (or blame) as the team and the wider corporate vision are more important than individual ego. Servant leaders lead by example, not by dominating every meeting and conversation. Just like mum, the servant leader knows you cannot say one thing and do another – the kids notice and credibility suffers. So, you go the extra mile and put yourself out, knowing that subordinates are more inclined to put in long days and nights when they know the boss does the same. The leader draws on an inner belief in excellence; that only the best will do. Leadership by example ensures this culture is quietly instilled. Mothers know they are rearing the next generation.
They take pride in every accomplishment notched up by their offspring. Servant leaders are much the same. They are happy to share power by encouraging others to take responsibility for delivery in this area or that. When success is achieved, they are delighted to acknowledge the team’s contribution. Servant leaders are resilient and reliable.
They get the job done without fuss and fanfare. In so many respects, they are just what South Africa needs … and a high proportion of them will be women.
*Mosima Selekisho is a Director at Signium Africa (previously Talent Africa), a leading recruitment company based in South Africa offering executive head-hunting and leadership consulting - servicing sub-Saharan Africa. www.signium.co.za
12 Hour Period Protection, No Strings and No Wings
Woman of today have realized that getting their period every month is, well I guess, just the way life goes. In 1996, Instead, Inc. pioneered a new alternative to tampons and pads with the development and release of its innovative Softcup.
Now in 2014, Maybe MOM is proud to announce that they have made this product tagged ‘The Next Generation of Period Protection' available to the South African market. Maybe MOM Instead Softcup gives you 12-hour wear time, comfort and convenience during your period allowing ladies to live life without interruptions.
Softcup is a flexible cup that is worn internally, around your cervix. It collects, rather than absorbs menstrual flow. It's hypo-allergenic, latex-free and completely safe when used as directed. Softcup has gained popularity for its many advantages over traditional methods of feminine protection including greater safety, longer wear-time, and clean sex during “that time of the month. Softcup can be worn during any activity including sports, swimming and sleeping. Use one reusable Softcup for up to three cycles, which makes it Easy on the Earth and Easy on the wallet retailing in stores for only R49.99.
More than 200 million Softcups have been sold since the product’s introduction in America in 1996, and there has never been a reported incidence of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). In extensive laboratory testing Softcup did not promote the growth of the bacteria that causes TSS. Softcup does not change the body’s natural environment nor does it alter the body’s pH levels, natural bacteria levels or absorb the body’s moisture. “It allows me to use the softcup until the last day of my period, even when my flow may be little to none, it’s comfortable and does not cause dryness or irritation” says Amanda, owner of Maybe MOM South Africa.
“Because the Softcup was uniquely designed for the modern-day woman, it has grown tremendously and developed staying power in the American market, proving an excellent alternative to tampons and pads,” said Joseph Pike, CEO of Instead. Women have embraced the concept of the Softcup because of the greater flexibility and control it gives them over their lives. In fact, when the Softcup is not offered somewhere, women seek it out rather than buy the alternatives.
The Softcup is an FDA-approved, reusable menstrual product made from a non-absorbent, non irritating polymeric material that has been used for over 20 years in health care products such as catheters and baby bottle nipples and contains no latex. It has undergone extensive toxicology, bio-compatibility and microbiological tests as well as human clinical testing, and contains no drying chemicals or fibers.
12-Hour Period Protection, Instead Softcup is a proven advancement in period protection. Try it and you'll see how it fits into your busy life.
For more information and to purchase contact (Wholesale enquiries welcome) Facebook: www.facebook/maybe mom.com / Website: www.aeadistribution.co.za /Your nearest Checkers and Checkers Hyper stores as well as Medi Rite Pharmacy’s For Interviews: Amanda or Elie Kouaiky /Tel: +2783 2928292 / +2782 8881816 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WHERE ARE SOUTH AFRICA’S POTENTIAL WOMEN DIRECTORS?
They are in South African companies and industries right now, although they may not be part of traditional networks and are unlikely to be present at the higher levels of management in the same numbers as men. It is for this reason that BPW SA and the Department of Trade & Industry (the dti) have partnered in an unrivalled “Women on Boards” director development programme to create a pool of female leaders in SA who are excellently trained and are therefore highly sought after by Boards.
Most people today have no knowledge about the makeup of corporate boards, even in the companies they work for. These people would be surprised to learn how little diversity of thought and experience exists in the corporate boardrooms and executive suites of South African businesses. Why should you care about board composition? Boards of directors make decisions that can impact you, your community, and the country. That’s why it’s important that membership on corporate boards be representative of a company's constituents.
Boards of directors choose CEOs. They make decisions about executive compensation, whether to buy, sell, or merge with other companies, where corporate offices close and relocate, and how much priority a company gives to issues other than profits, such as social responsibility.
Our Women on Boards programme will give you the expertise and exposure needed to be part of the right networks. It is an eight-part program — strategically placed over the course of 8 months, due to the complexity of the material — equips women with the knowledge and tools needed to elevate themselves to the C-suite and beyond. In a supportive and highly interactive atmosphere, an impressive roster of top government and corporate experts will guide skilled female executives through a rigorous program of intensive classroom instruction, case studies and simulations. Every element of the program is focused on strengthening and broadening the leadership talents of the participants and delivering positive results for their companies and organizations. They will improve their understanding of the responsibilities of board membership and develop the skills and strategic insight needed to become a more effective director. They will improve their understanding of board governance while heightening their financial literacy and increasing their understanding of relevant legislation. Amongst others, specialist training is also provided by the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) with regard to corporate governance and understanding of JSE terminology and the Commonwealth Business Council (CBC) (London) who will impart their expertise on personal and reputational risk. The dti will convey their expectations of board members and corporate experts will present, and execute simulations, on media and presentation skills to enhance leadership effectiveness. The programme is certified by the dti.
For more information, please visit our website at www.bpw-jhbsa.co.za .or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 011 794-4991.
