Wed 22 Jul 2009
Women Take Risks Too
Posted by Megan Dorn under Entrepreneurship, Small Business
Women in the business world seem to be pegged as apprehensive about the idea of taking risks. The perception is often that when risky innovations come knocking at their doors, they stand firm and say “no thanks.”
A recent study by the Simmons School of Management in Boston proves otherwise. According to the report, “Risky Business: Busting the Myth of Women as Risk Averse,” 80 percent of female executives introduce innovation and change. They undertake new initiatives and embrace new programs, even when the chances of a successful outcome are unclear.
The study went on to examine the reasons why women are perceived this way in the business world. It seemed that the overwhelming consensus was that females tend to avoid self-promotion of their actions, while men make their risk-taking achievements known.
The lesson for women here is to clearly communicate what you have achieved. If you like to take gambles here and there, take proper credit for it. Such actions are powerful and can help you reap the proper rewards down the road.
July 22nd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
Hello, Megan. I can vouch from first-hand experience that this was not the way women were allowed to be back in the ’90s. I call myself a recovering victim from society. I use to get pounced on by other women whenever I broadcasted my accomplishments. It just wasn’t done back then. I am so glad to see things have changed. It is so much easier for young women today to break through the barriers. Being a member of GFWC and Athena Society, I can set back and observe the interactions of older women and of younger women. You can still see the differences in how they communicate verbally and nonverbally. I agree there are still glass ceilings to break, but the logistics of things are much easier. Today the big thing is mentoring. That’s what I focus on when I’m with other women. Actually, I choose between networking and mentoring. That helps me to feel balanced and not dwell on me so much. But, when I feel like broadcasting my accomplishments, I do so proudly and humbly. I no longer worry about what others think. I also don’t feel fear from other’s comments. Obviously, they’re at a different level than I am. So I keep on moving forward with less growing pains. Take care. Thank you for your time in reading this message. Rosella Young, Longaberger Consultant in Alaska
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:37 am
I add to this:
* Communicate what you achieve to the right people and ask them to communicate it to others. Seek out advocates and champions to share your successes with and let them know what you’ve accomplished. (Don’t assume this is your your boss’ job. Don’t be bashful about asking your customers to refer more business your way.)
* When you know a woman has taken a risk (whether she fails/successeds) acknowledge and congratulate her on taking the risk. She may feel like a failure and needs that encouragement to go forward. It’s even more impactful and makes you look like a leader and team player too.
* It is not acceptable that women make up only 10% of executive leadership roles, particularly since more diverse entities make 35% more for their shareholders. It may be that definitions of acceptable or proper risk is out of whack and needs to be adjusted.