I was fortunate enough to be invited to an event which discussed our region in the context of the global market place.
Hosted by MBA students of the UEA’s Norwich Business School and held at the Dragon Hall, the event encapsulated all that is good about business in the Eastern region.
Guests were invited to ask questions - I asked the panel for a view on whether business women were advantaged or indeed disadvantaged in the current global market.
I deliberately phrased the question with caution; I could equally have asked why, in their view, women are noticeably under represented in the majority of senior roles in our sceptred isle - and indeed everywhere else on the globe?
The answer from the floor was unambiguous and made reference to the natural talents of women playing their part and contributing to the mix.
I believe that the answer to the unasked question may lie in women’s failure to embrace the notion of self worth. I give you an example: Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz. Probably not the first person to spring to mind, but think about it; Dorothy was a true leader. She identified the tasks at hand, formulated a plan and overcame considerable obstacles to facilitate what her team lacked; a brain for the scarecrow, a heart for the tin man and courage for the lion.
The point is that Dorothy already had what she needed all along, magical silver shoes - but she didn’t realise it. In addition to excellent footwear, a staple for any woman; she already possessed a good brain, the heart of a lion and enough courage to carry on when most fair weathered friends would quite frankly, have thrown in the towel!
Some might say Dorothy's behavior represents the stereotypical female approach to nurture the progression of others and leave their own reward in the lap of the gods. However research shows that there are companies who take gender difference seriously and employ innovative and diverse ways to recruit female talent and support their aspirations.
Empirical research has shown that companies who invest in their staff reap benefits and antidotal evidence proves this to be the case. Further evidence confirms that understanding the way women work and facilitating opportunities for personal growth are keys factors to personal and company success.
Robin Smith, Director of Global Diversity for Nortel, a communications company says: “The underlying principle is that if we help our people to succeed, we help our business to succeed." Nortel helps women employees by sponsoring women’s business councils, forming part of a global network that links women through common interest and events. The women benefit from the opportunity to network and increase their global profile.
Other employers could take a leaf out of their book. By recognising that women like Dorothy are natural facilitators, but reluctant chest beaters.
