Taking advantage of positive emotions could help more women (and men) reach senior leadership positions, according to recent research by McKinsey.
Drawing on interviews with over 85 top female leaders over a period of 4 years and specialist literature, the research initiative has developed a leadership model called “centered leadership”.
While it can be applied to men, the model is especially relevant for female leaders who tend to carry the double burden of parenthood and management more often than men and experience work more emotionally. “Women start careers in business and other professions with the same level of intelligence, education, and commitment as men. Yet comparatively few reach the top echelons”, warn the authors.
The model consists of 5 interrelated dimensions that should enable more female top performers to reach the very top.
Meaning: identifying personal strengths and using them to motivate others
Managing energy: building energy-restoring tasks into your day
Positive framing: adopting an optimistic outlook and cultivating resilience for tough times
Connecting: building stronger networks to gain support and find sponsors
Engaging: taking ownership of opportunities and professional development.
Over the past 6 months the centered-leadership model has been introduced to 1,000 women and 500 men via regional and global learning programs, reports the journal. Many female participants saw a significant increase in their energy and motivation levels after applying the concept, the authors conclude.
Check out “Centered leadership: How talented women thrive” in The McKinsey Quarterly (September 2008), you may have to pay to read.
Pierre Robitaille
http://www.cci-leadershipstrategies.com