Success in the 21st Century - Gender differences?

If you speak to successful people, there are those who tell you:

they had a plan from day one (organised)
they were just in the right place at the right time (lucky)
they worked hard and were recognised (dedicated)
they continued to grow their skill set (life long learning)
they saw an opportunity and grabbed it (opportunistic) and
they are well connected (networkers)

All work individually, and, in combination, could make you unstoppable. Of course, there are other factors, too - the economy, changing business requirements, to mention just two.

And then you have to define success.

Every person I speak to has a different definition, so for the purposes of this little article, I have tied it down to a few key areas that matter to me:

Having a fulfilling purpose
Having choices
Financial independence
Successful integration of work and home

It is important to note that I have made the decision to no longer talk about work/life balance because it has been pointed out to me (thank you, Mr Adrian Schofield) that work is life, too. So it is now work (or office) and home.

While we used to define success as high status and financial riches, it is very clear that the traditional male concept is undergoing a metamorphosis. Women and the millennials see success in achieving family and business goals.

Being able to work and play in a time choice way are also key success factors. It’s not about working less, but working when…

Reading the Spark Business IQ report on work/life balance (I know) for small business, it does appear that men are better at setting the boundaries in many ways, but raises the question that this might be because their financial situation enables this.

69% of women in this survey cited the right balance as success, as opposed to 58% of men.

So, yes, there are differences, but not opposite ends of the spectrum. It appears, that the millenials of both genders are coming down more on side of work needing to be aligned with a full life plan.

I was lucky enough to hear Cheryl Carolus speak at a conference where she asked the audience “When is it enough?” It was an inspiring speech to a mainly female audience, asking them to be ambitious without being dissatisfied.

This is the crux for me, recognising and appreciating what you do have, while continuing to strive to grow and achieve your own objectives and goals.

And some of those goals definitely need to be of the bucket list variety.

So rejoice in every success, at work we ring a bell for every sale, start each meeting with success stories, and at home we celebrate with great food and wine…

Links, References and Notes

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheryl_Carolus
https://sparkbusinessiq.com/article/how-do-paths-to-success-for-small-business-owners-differ-by-gender-infographic/

www.accsys.co.za

Note

Thank you for reading Teryl@Work. Should you wish to use any of the material, please acknowledge this blog as the source.

email: tschroenn@accsys.co.za

twitter: @TerylSchroenn

Its all about the numbers - retirement age

Weight, height, age, dress size, shoe size, all numbers that we (and the media) use to define people. I was fascinated by an article from the Leicester Mercury where the age of each witness to a bus crash in January were carefully listed. Sue Kellett, 56, whose front garden is bordered by the wall, was one of the first at the scene. Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bus-driver-airlifted-hospital-collision-tractor/story-20512289-detail/story.html#ixzz31lXUuyZg Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bus-driver-airlifted-hospital-collision-tractor/story-20512289-detail/story.html#9cHShVptF30lJw4X.99 Sue Kellett, 56, whose front garden is bordered by the wall, was one of the first at the scene. Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bus-driver-airlifted-hospital-collision-tractor/story-20512289-detail/story.html#ixzz31lXUuyZg Read more at http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bus-driver-airlifted-hospital-collision-tractor/story-20512289-detail/story.htm...

Flexibility in the workplace

Is flexibility now a reality in the workplace? And is it really working? The assumption of control over one’s own time and deliverables does look like a great way to work and live, and it seems to be is a high priority for those entering the business world. Decision makers in business, along with HR managers and recruitment consultants, are very much aware that both current employers and new recruits are looking for guidance and ideas as how to achieve work/life balance. It is accepted that this balance has to form part of the workplace. Yes people still need to prove themselves, initiative is still expected, hard work and commitment are still viewed as non-negotiable – but the dynamics of employer/ employee relationship has changed. And it is innovation in ICT that has paved the way. The advantages of a mobile workforce can include an increase in productivity, lower total cost of ownership and a wider, more direct reach to the market. In ess...

Sales - Setting Targets

Are your salespeople included in setting targets? Very few are. Sales targets are based on previous individual performance, sales division performance and budget requirements. In some companies everybody gets the same target, regardless of abilities or previous successes, while in others it is an enormously complex beast with all sorts of criteria used. While the business requirements have to be met, it is important to discuss and collaborate with the salespeople themselves. Sales is a game, and each time you play a game, you should want to do better. If you are not competitive by nature, sales can be a very tough career. It is, anyway. More and more, sales management is about coaching, not managing, so it really important for sales managers to understand how coaching works. There are great courses out there which guide sales managers through the coaching methodology. A simple, but structured approach to target setting with lots of commun...

Teryl @ Work

Search This Blog