I need a hero !

I recently commented in the EDP upon the Treasury Select Committee’s report which found that the UK’s Banking debacle was in part due to the lack of women in top jobs in the financial sector.

Effectiveness of female bankers aside, my view is that we need to see a real cultural shift in attitude before we see any improvement in the current statistics - which confirm that only 9% of board members of the FTSE 350 companies are female.

Although you may not have any burning desire to head up a corporation; I would argue that whatever position you hold, you should not be afraid to expect recognition and proper reward for your efforts - and equally be aware of the real danger of falling into the ‘unsung hero’ trap.

I certainly did. I believed that so long as I worked hard and did a good job, my efforts would be recognised and acknowledged - more fool me. If the phrase ‘all of the responsibility and none of the reward’ sounds familiar, it could be time to make a change.

The question to ask yourself is: “Why am I behaving this way?” The answer may be uncomfortable reading; but most likely lies in that female cracker - self doubt.

Janet Street Porter would not strike you as a shrinking violet - yet in an interview on Radio 4 last year, discussing the lack of women in the boardroom, she surprised everyone by suggesting that lack of confidence was the problem. She admitted that whilst she appeared confident - the reality was quite different - she hit the metaphorical nail on the head.

For reasons of expectation and upbringing no doubt; a lack of self belief is often a pre-cursor for falling into the unsung hero trap - thus you rely wholeheartedly upon the good auspices of others to reward your efforts.

In my work as a coach I often come across the phenomenon of the ‘impostor syndrome’, particularly with female clients. Despite all evidence to the contrary, there is a fear that one day the mask will slip and their true inadequacies and indeed inability to do the job they have, will be revealed to the world - clearly ridiculous - but none the less powerful and self-limiting.

Another restrictive factor is the lack of positive role models. To this end, I was delighted to see that Bev Hurley’s stirling efforts for enterprising, entrepreneurial women in our region and beyond, were recognised last week in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. Bev Hurley is a powerhouse of innovation and a true inspiration - exactly what you need in a role model. Moreover, it is proven that women, more than men, benefit from role modeling; more particularly: the shared gender specific knowledge and experience that high achieving women demonstrate. All well and good, but I would suggest that as well as looking to others for inspiration - how about also looking to yourself?

Think about it - what qualities does a role model exhibit? True role models are those who possess admirable skills; they make us want to work smarter and be better people; to advocate for ourselves, attain our goals and take leadership on the issues that we believe in. A role model can inspire, but ultimately it is you who has to act upon that inspiration.

If we are to see more women on the board and redress the balance, there is no better place to start than with yourself. Be your own hero - or is that heroine !!

M-J is a Coach and Mentor, see her website at www.green-light.uk.com. M-J, also Chairs the Norwich Businesswomen’s Network, www.nbwn.co.uk

Come on Ladies !

The Norwich Businesswomen’s Network met earlier this month to hear Paul Hill, Editor of The Business, speak on the subject:- ‘How do we judge success - Particularly in women?’. 70 local businesswomen gathered and the answer in a nutshell was:- ‘Differently’.

The debate continues, other organisations are taking up the mantle, but I fear that it throws up more questions than it answers.

There appears to be no good reason why successful business women in our region are all but absent from the last listing of the Future50. I know from my Chair of the NBWN that 25% of the membership own and run their own business - and that some are certainly successful enough to be featured.

Why they are not; has occupied me since I last wrote about it in September 2009. I received - and continue to receive - correspondence from female entrepreneurs who on the face of it should be nominated - but here’s the rub - they have not put themselves forward - why not?

Aside from a few; the majority of successful ladies fail to self promote; draw attention to their achievements; chest beat - call it what you like. We are shrinking violets when it comes to shouting our success from the roof tops - why is that?

I know several women who run their own businesses, nay have started a business from scratch at home; whilst also pioneering family life: who are roof top shouting successful - but do they do not shout! Why not?

Clambering down from my soap box for a moment; I do accept that not all women want to run their own business and there are no prerequisites for seeking unbridled accolade if you do; but if it is your bag then why on earth would you not want the world to know how well you have done? The thing is: our menfolk are not so shy about grabbing the limelight and drawing attention to their achievements - I give you a classic example. A good friend of mine started a business when she was a young mum. She developed it successfully and her husband gave up a well paid job to join her - you could be forgiven for thinking that it has always been his business though, to hear him talk.

Obviously my friend is quick to point out the mistake, but my point is, unless you are prepared to stand up and be counted you will be overlooked. Society still likes to assume that it is the man that is the high achiever - and quite frankly, who can blame it if we fail to push ourselves forward.

You will remember John Gray’s well thumbed book, “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus”. In a dumbed down way it explained what we all already knew - men and women are different animals and once you recognise that you will stop expecting them to act and perform the same - that goes for a female run business too - it’s a completely different animal.

So where does that leave the Future50 and the like? The answer must lie in the criteria that the judges apply - any panel must recognise that success comes in all shapes and sizes - and some of it may be more curvaceous than others.

The answer also lies in business women accepting that success, in all it’s forms; is worth standing up for.

Eleanor Roosevelt summed it up beautifully when she said “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Come on Ladies!

Mary-Jane is a specialist coach and trainer: see her website www.green-light.uk.com