If you’re a female entrepreneur or woman business owner, no doubt, I’m sure you’ve heard or seen the term girl boss, femtrepreneuer or something like it before.
As a female business owner myself, I have mixed feelings about using these kinds of phrases or terms. In the right casual context, these kinds of terms can feel empowering. It unites us together as we celebrate each other, our work ethic and our challenges. It’s a term that can inspire visions of success and belonging to a greater supportive group.
On the other hand, others might argue that being called a girl boss or using a similar term, gives lesser value to the individual simply by pointing out that she is a female and not just simply business person, without need to qualify whether she is a female or male. No matter which camp you hail from, I believe that we can all agree that women bring some unparalleled qualities to the table when it comes to leadership and business.
Studies have shown that when it comes to business, women are typically associated with a more participative style of leadership. Some of the great attributes identified in women in business are their strengths in communication, cooperation, affiliation and the ability to lead a team through transformation. Women have also been notable for gaining credibility with management, their general capacity for insight, and promoting collaboration in groups.
With evidence of all these great qualities, it’s no wonder why women make great business owners, leaders and entrepreneurs. Networking and fostering relationships is a crucial part of any business. If you can’t connect with your clients and customers, you’ll be hard-pressed to keep any business afloat for long. The great capability for insight and forethought into the future also make many women great planners, strategists and visionaries – all qualities that successful entrepreneurs and business owners can benefit and thrive on.
In addition to all of the skills and attributes that women contribute to business, there is also evidence that the presence of women in high-level business roles, actually increases overall company performance. No need to do a double-take – you read that right. According to Credit Suisse, “Companies with a higher proportion of women on the board or in top management positions had higher valuations, better returns on equity, and higher payout ratios.”
As a businesswoman myself, uncovering facts like these is incredibly inspiring and motivating. Knowing how great an impact women can have in the business world should be reassuring for all women thinking about starting their own business or making the leap to a higher role. Are there any women in business that have inspired you on your career journey, in entrepreneurship or business ownership? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
References:
“The ‘Masculine’ and ‘Feminine’ Sides of Leadership and Culture: Perception vs. Reality.” Knowledge@Wharton. Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
“Sex differences in leadership.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation.
Credit Suisse: The CS Gender 3000: Women In Senior Management
