I read an interesting research study recently about how men and women achieve professional success. What made it so fascinating was that the personality traits of successful men and women are similar yet, men and women achieved professional and financial success quite differently.
The latest research out of Phoenix, Arizona seems to affirm that men and women achieve success differently. Here’s what Jude Miller-Burke, PhD found during her study of 106 men and women who made at least $100,000 a year.
Here are some differences:
- Women were more likely, 77 % vs. 6% for men, to encounter sexism on the job.
- Women were also more likely, 44% vs. 4% of men, to be responsible for and to take care of everything and everyone at home.
- Men were found, 94% vs. 59% of women, to be the primary earner in the family.
- Both men and women had a powerful and motivating vision for the future and were able to effectively share that vision with others.
- Both men and women reported having a high level of self-esteem.
- Both men and women believed that having integrity, honesty and confidence in their management style are keys to effective leadership and ongoing success.
What advice do I have for women in business?
1. If you’re married or single, with or without children, it may be time to hire someone to help with the household chores and family responsibilities.
2. It is well worth your time, money and energy to hire a coach or mentor to assist you with defining your goals, managing your time and fine-tuning your professional leadership style.
3. When faced with discrimination or sexism, know how to handle it from a position of empowerment and confidence.
4. Attend the seminars, workshops and read the books that will enhance not only your professional knowledge and career skills but also your overall self-esteem.
5. Make the time to fine-tune your day-to-day problem-solving skills.
The bottom line of Dr. Miller-Burke’s research study: Women are just as capable as men to achieve financial and professional success. The major stumbling blocks to achieving lasting success for businesswomen appears to be the same stumbling blocks that have been hindering women for decades – sexism, self-confidence and time management.
The answer to going forward in positive ways begins with finding workable and productive solutions to the everyday professional and personal stumbling blocks. It is taking consistent positive action that can make the difference between succeeding and maintaining the status quo.
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Sharon Recommends
I love a good success story! I recommend Shark Tales by Barbara Corcoran - it is a good autobiography filled with common-sense how-tos. Here is an offsite link to Amazon.com if you'd like to read more or purchase this book: Shark Tales: How I Turned 1,000 into a Billion Dollar Business
I also recommend The Girl's Guide to Building a Million Dollar Business by Susan Wilson Solovic. It is a well-written "how to" for starting and growing your own business - The Girls' Guide to Building a Million-Dollar Business
Disclosure: I purchased these books to read and review. All reviews are solely mine. As an affiliate of Amazon.com I will get paid on any purchase of this product from the links within this article.
