Living in a boundaryless world where organizations operate on a global playing field, the rules of play have changed. In order to adapt to a global environment, leaders must understand the changes in a global environment and work on developing the core competencies required to lead a global organization; this include improved self-awareness, engagement of an entrepreneurial spirit that drives one to not be pleased with the status quo, and adaptability to consistent innovation, creativity, and adapt to change. Additionally, leaders need to work both on (a) mental competencies (or soft skills) which include people skills, empathy, motivation, and communication styles and (b) behavioral competencies like network management skills, gaining knowledge and experience, and work habits befitting a global leader. Women are a natural fit as global leaders.
They have many skills and behaviors that adapt more easily to the fast-paced, culturally- sensitive global organization. At the same time, women need to be aware of the barriers that may impede their effectiveness as leaders and their career path to obtaining executive positions. These barriers include lack of a mentor, no exposure to global business, little or no training or experiences in international relationships or work, and poor relationship-building skills. Women who take the time to gro in these competencies and skills and overcome these obstacles, will successfully move up the corporate ladder of global organizations and eventually take the helm to lead organizations into the next decade. |
