Guest post by Victoria Rotante (learn more about the author at the end of the article):
After more than 25 years as an apparel industry executive, I have experienced many women in leadership roles as less than inspiring or supportive. For whatever reason, there are too many talented women leaders (from my experience) who don’t understand that mentoring and developing their direct reports (women or men) is germane to building company bench strength for the future.
While no doubt it can be somewhat intimidating to come across a person who you know can do your job–perhaps even better than you; the smart leader knows how to leverage that person(s), not suppress them as a salve for one’s own insecurities.
Pat Heim, co-author of the book In the Company of Women, speaks to this very subject, and should be required reading for all professional women. Her company, Heim Group, also offers a great Gender IQ Test on their website.
My call to action: Inspire, Support, Grow and Mentor…It is a powerful tool for our future.
Do you have a mentor? Have you been a mentor? What is your call to action? Leave a comment and share your thoughts on women in leadership and mentoring.
About the Author
Vickie Rotante is Principal of Impera Executive Recruiters specializing in the consumer products market for the apparel, accessories and footwear industries, servicing middle management to C-level positions.
It is a secure leader who willingly encourages and mentors people who report to her who have stronger skills in certain areas. She holds the vision of the team and company above her own ego.
Insecure leaders will quash their staff who have stronger skills in areas that they are weak in. I resonate with your call to action: Inspire, Support, Grow and Mentor. Let’s be the change in the business world.
Blessings,
Andrea
We may be preaching to the choir, but there is nothing more rewarding to hire and develop junior women in business who can surpass you one day — it is incredible to see these women become powerful and successful. What a treat!
For those out there who are afraid to do this, don’t be. And don’t be short-sided. Confront your fear and insecurity. Your true success is measured by those you help succeed. Go for it! Create and see your legacy grow.
And to those women who are already doing this — cheers to you! We still have a long way to go, but I am inspired to see women like Theresia Govw Ranzetta at Accel, Jessica Herrin, Stella & Dot, Selina Tobacccowala, Survey Monkey, and many others. GO GETTUM LADIES!!
Best, Maria