Making men’s rules work to womens advantage

There weren’t that many women around when the rules were written so they, of course, play to men’s traditional strengths and values. And that’s not a statement really on right or wrong, or fair or not fair, it’s just reality for us, said Gallagher, the keynote speaker at the University of Chicago Women’s Business Group annual meeting at Gleacher Center January 27.

What women need to do, she said, is develop strategies to make men’s rules work to their advantage. This is playing to win and it’s what I call having the right mindset, said Gallagher, managing director in charge of strategic development with Huron Consulting Group

The first component of a leadership mindset is for women to recognize their passions and what drives their energy, Gallagher said. Figure out what inspires you and it’s OK to love whatever that is.

With opportunities for women limited today by flatter organizational structures, consolidation and cost-cutting, Gallager said it’s also important for women to determine how they add value to an organization and market their contribution within the company. She proposed focusing on brass tacks execution, which she identified as a typical female strength. Execution is a major problem in business today, or really, the lack of execution is a problem, she said.

Studying organizational structure and communication routines is also key, Gallagher said, recommending women speak up, be direct, deliver on promises, and don’t say too much or too little.

Finally she encouraged her audience to take risks and seek opportunities to lead. You have to force yourself to get out of your comfort zone, she said. It’s scary, but it’s also very invigorating.

 

Jenn Goddu