Source | Entrepreneur : By Archanna Das
Women entrepreneurship has been recognized as an important catalyst for economic growth. From a professional standpoint, while they contribute to employment generation, they are also able to render unique business solutions that help in the evolution of society. On the social front, women entrepreneurs not only play a pivotal role in the well-being of their family and communities, they also are a critical element in contributing to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Thus, Governments across the world are actively encouraging women entrepreneurs through various schemes, incentives and promotional measures.
However, a recent economic survey shares a few alarming statistics. Though the rise in women entrepreneurship, leadership and talent is an established fact, the numbers at the top are not changing. In India, women make up 42% of new graduates, but only 24% of entry-level professionals. Of these, about 19% reach senior-level management roles. Women hold only 7.7% of board seats and just 2.7% of board chairs. Businesses across sectors have an only a fraction of women leaders.
To further encourage women entrepreneurship at the grass root level, it is imperative that women adopt a “lean-in” style of methodology. Easier said than done as the concept of work-life blend for women has not evolved enough for all women to confidently hone both soft and professional skillsets which deters them from balancing their personal and professional lives enough to rise to leadership roles.
Understanding the Patterns of Women Leaders:
Based on frequent interactions and observations with several women entrepreneurs, some of the patterns that are consistent in women in leadership positions are:
- Non-traditional leadership style: The new age women leader is no longer confined to the traditional, done and dusted approach to running her enterprise. Women today are ready to explore newer management decisions/styles and explore paths that haven’t been explore.
- Large risk appetite: Successful women entrepreneurs are confident of not only their ventures but also themselves thus allowing a larger risk appetite. This openness to taking risks can have some great impact to the way one would look to the growth of a company.
- Encourage participation: Women entrepreneurs encourage healthy discussions amongst teams which results in boosting morale and confidence of other team members.
