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A Personal Letter from Molly D. Shepard - June 2006
Women Need to Be Champions of Change in Their Own Organizations Women who have completed a Leader’s Edge program often experience an increased sense of energy, confidence and enthusiasm. The leadership development and training gives women the insights, skills and tools they need to step up to the next level of leadership within their organizations. It gives them an opportunity to take a close look at themselves and their careers, and review and analyze their strengths, challenges and styles. When they complete the program, they know more about themselves and what is important to them in their work and in their lives. Our participants have often made dramatic changes and can’t wait to get back to the office to begin integrating their new experiences and skills with renewed zeal. It usually doesn’t take long before I hear from them expressing frustration at having to deal with the same limiting corporate culture, which has not changed, as they have. Rather than lament the status quo of their corporate environments, I encourage women to use this same energy, enthusiasm and leadership to help create change in their organizations. Enlightened women can be great catalysts for change by taking a closer look at their companies and identifying the areas of change that are most important and in which they can have the greatest potential impact. Whether the key issues are increasing awareness of the unique styles and capabilities of women, developing mentoring, women’s initiatives, or networking programs, or pushing for greater workplace flexibility, women can make an enormous difference by getting involved. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone and pushing for change is not necessarily easy. It is important to realize, however, that by investing in a Leader’s Edge Program the company may, in fact, be looking to you to lead the way. And, you have an opportunity to create a win/win/win situation for yourself, other women and the organization. In fact, a woman who raises important issues and creates positive change demonstrates her leadership while doing a service for her company. In a world where executive talent is at a premium, and retention of the best and the brightest employees is crucial, an organization that is welcoming, flexible and diverse will have the edge in attracting high quality executive talent and ultimately achieve greater success. Women can, and should be an important part of this shift in the corporate culture.
Molly D. Shepard |
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