With more women entering the corporate world, the workplace in india has witnessed rapid and manifold changes. What extra or unique element does a woman leader bring to the table? how different is her style of leadership and does it affect productivity and morale? discovers Sayani sinha roy in a tête-à-tête with four successful women leaders who have proved their mettle in the industry
Q. The notion that ‘women do it this way, men do it that way’ still persists. What is your take on this?
A. This notion may exist in some places but we are moving on from here quickly. Every day, people at top leadership and management positions are breaking this stereotype. I think the media industry is one of the few industries that saw this shift early.
Q. How would you define women leadership style in Indian context?
A. I feel women leaders tend to be more compassionate about the needs of their employees and understand that every team member needs to maintain a work-life balance. This empathy leads to having more loyal employees.
Q. Women leaders are in minority – both in business and politics. How do you see women leaders evolving in the coming years?
A. It is true that women in leadership roles are still in minority, but this is not an Indian phenomenon. Worldwide women hit a glass ceiling when they decide to start a family. I do not see anything wrong with that. Women voluntarily take a break to enjoy their family life. Not all organisations allow mothers to bring their infants at work. If this is accepted then you can expect more women leaders.
We, as a nation, should take steps to empower women across the board which will lead to greater emergence of women leaders in all industries and sectors.
Q. Do you think women have fewer leadership role models? Which leader do you admire the most and why?
A. I do not think so. I believe one can find leadership role models everywhere.
I admire my mother the most. She is a housewife and has always been a role model to me. Just because she did not work in a corporate environment does not make her any less than a leader. I have learnt a lot from her and continue to do so everyday. These learnings help me at my work and in making decisions in the most crucial times.
Q. The notion that ‘women do it this way, men do it that way’ still persists. What is your take on this?
A. Increasingly, the notion is that women do it the right way.
Q. How would you define women leadership style in Indian context?
A. Indian women excel in multitasking, as they are trained on different skills at a young age. Education, confidence and opportunities have given women leaders a new edge. There are several sectors that require use of interpersonal and soft skills on a day-to-day basis, and women already have these skills.
The new age women leadership is defined by these skills which they bring to the table combined with business acumen.
Q. Women leaders are in minority – both in business and politics. How do you see women leaders evolving in the coming years?
A. There is going to be a rapid evolvement as women are actively participating in issues of our country. Media has played a vital role in ensuring equal gender participation on issues of national interest. The opportunities for women leaders in the corporate world have increased and they are handling pivotal role in sectors like retail, banking, real estate, entertainment and telecom.
Q. Do you think women have fewer leadership role models? Which leader do you admire the most and why?
A. Women do not need to have gender specific role models.
I admire Indra Nooyi because she has proven that meritocracy and determination make people successful.
Q. The notion that ‘women do it this way, men do it that way’ still persists. What is your take on this?
A. A woman leader must believe that men from an early age overvalued their strengths while women frequently underrated themselves. In reality, we all struggle to feel a stable sense of value and self-worth. We need more male leaders with the courage to stand down, comfortably acknowledge their shortcomings, and help woman feel safe and appreciated rather than fearful and inadequate. Leadership is a turf where men and women need to co-exist.
Q. How would you define women leadership style in Indian context?
A. In India, women are likely to build on their leadership strengths of collaboration, inclusion, and consultation. As a result of which everyone’s ideas and insights are heard and considered in making decisions, people feel valued and, therefore, are committed to achieving goals. Women think more holistically and have a tendency go beyond specific facts and numbers. As a result, they identify opportunities, risks, and gaps that others often miss.
Q. Do you think women have fewer leadership role models? Which leader do you admire the most and why?
A. I admire Kiran Majumdar Shaw for her leadership style
Q. The notion that ‘women do it this way, men do it that way’ still persists. What is your take on this?
A. The issues that need attention are: why do women believe that they need to be like men and lose their sensitivities? And why cannot a woman recognise and respect her own individuality? Women need to be comfortable in their own skin and do not have to be like anyone else.
Q. How would you define women leadership style in Indian context?
A. I have never believed that men and women are different in a professional set-up. Both are driven by their own individual styles and personalities.
Q. Women leaders are in minority – both in business and politics. How do you see women leaders evolving in the coming years?
A. There are too many issues with a woman’s passion to recognise her talents. She needs to believe in her dreams and should have enthusiasm to build herself as an individual and not just a mother, wife or a daughter. These issues need a different level of drive and support from society at large.
Q. Do you think women have fewer leadership role models?
A. I do not think so. Not having a leadership role model is because you do not have a lot of leaders to look up to.
