There are hundreds of books about what success is. Most of the explanations so far came to the general conclusion that men consider money, position and prestige to be success. They define and judge themselves by these categories.
I am grateful to see more and more male leaders overwriting this simplification.
What about women?
Of course, we need money, too, we pay bills, we love beauty, however, women want more than that, research shows.
Most truly successful women want to make an impact, to feel useful through their work. To shape the work environment in which their colleagues feel well, are motivated. They are committed to their employer and believe in their leader. They experience psychological safety, a supportive atmosphere and the acceptance of mistakes. This is what female leaders want to offer their teams and wish for themselves, as well.
Why does the management of so many companies still not understand all this? They struggle with retaining talented women, they give “money, steed, weapon”, while totally underestimating the importance of organizational culture and the workplace atmosphere.
Statistically, more women resign because of the poor quality of life, an undeserving or abusive culture, even leaving behind premium financial packages and positions, because it is simply “not worth it”.
Yet the world is slowly changing in terms of leadership culture.
What will it take to change the attitude of managers, to finally realize that a new type of leadership is essential?
The results of the latest labor market surveys call for leaders with integrity and emotional intelligence. Regardless of gender.
It is not only women who will achieve strategic change, despite their statistical dominance, but the Z and Alpha generations. Both young women and men can set the pace together. The more people from younger generations will be present on the labor market, and the more they will lead companies, the more the old type of commanders will be displaced.
However, there is no more time to wait for this period. Current top managers from X and Y generations to change their attitude, behavior wrongly learnt and fixed from old type of commanders to become leaders.
The latest HR researches clearly illustrate that employees have matured and preferences are changing. Success is no longer measured by money, the balance between work and private life has become more important than money. Flexibility, love of the workplace, and enjoyment of life come to the fore. The values represented and lived (not just declared) cannot be incorporated into the company culture without strong support from top management. Everything trickles down.
The age of self-reflective people-centered leaders has arrived, of those who see outside their own heads and are able to approach colleagues with emotional intelligence. With heart and faith.
