Authenticity
Authenticity is often perceived as a value for senior women. Navigating successfully in a male-dominated environment sometimes raises questions about whether one is acting in concert with her values. When this is a concern in the coaching I do with senior leaders, I work with the woman to build self-awareness by articulating her key values. At times, this exploration gets to issues around confidence and having the strength to bring her authentic self to work and to hold to her values even when a culture does not encourage this. With confidence, a woman can forge the way to navigate her career and impact her organization. What do you think? - Lisa Aronson

Comments
Confidence is key
Submitted by mshepard on Mon, 04/20/2009 - 3:33pm.
Wanting to be perceived as "authentic" comes up in some of my coaching as well, and I find that when women struggle with how to display their true, authentic self it often does comes down to a lack of confidence. Just because a woman is in a male-dominated work environment, doesn't mean she has to morph to fit into it or to be accepted. A woman who is true to herself and intentionally seeks to be authentic, real and committed to the vision of the company will often times bring new and diverse ideas to the table. In fact, in my coaching experience women often feel like a weight is lifted off their shoulders when they understand that bringing their values and confidence to work are for the most part much needed and well received. Authentic, committed women who might not always fit the mold do, in the end, benefit their organizations greatly.
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