Both in the academic, corporate and NGO world and even in public service, more women are rising to head positions at their places of work, which is an inspiration for the girl child.
Today, several countries have elected female leaders as their Presidents after many years of being ruled by only male presidents.
For example, in Africa, some of the female presidents include; Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of Tanzania and Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia. Other female leaders who once ruled their country include Joyce Hilda Banda who served as President of Malawi from April 7, 2012 to May 31, 2014, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who was President of Liberia between January 2006 – January 2018.
Career-driven women not only have lessons to teach us on how to shape our careers in the best possible way, but also on how to live a life on our own terms.
There are several female traits that can help you grow your career from one level to another. These include:
Be strong-willed
Career-driven women don’t give up easily on their dreams and aspirations. They are strong-willed and determined to achieve whatever they want to. This doesn’t just help their professional lives; it also improves their personal lives significantly.
Keep your options open
For any woman who wants to advance in their career, it is important to keep her options open. No matter how bad the situation you are in is, always have a backup plan that can help you find a way. Preparing a plan b should always be a part of your original plan.
Be persistent
A career-driven woman considers failure to be part of their learning process. Instead of staying stuck in the past and overthinking your past failures, you should focus on making your present and future better by planning well. Push on despite the challenges. Don’t let past failures stop you from taking well-calculated risks in the future. Demonstrate that you are up for the challenge.
Adapt to change
Change is an important part of life, both professionally and personally. Instead of fearing any change that may occur, even at your present workplace, embrace it openly. Whatever is the magnitude of the change, strive to face it fearlessly and adapt to the new conditions.
Be hardworking
Career-driven c Be it a new job or an important project, with one’s dedication and hard work, they make it all sail smoothly. This quality helps women stay on top of their game all the time.
Be committed
Women who occupy various positions at their workplace are totally committed to their work and put their best foot forward to accomplish every task, no matter how difficult or impossible it looks or sounds. Due to their commitment to work, they don’t shy away from putting in a couple of sleepless nights to achieve their targets.
Focus on learning
Your primary motive is to learn new skills and become a well-rounded individual. As a woman, you should believe in growing continuously, and emphasize your career development. Take up new challenges and don’t shy away from stepping out of your comfort zone.
Network, Network, Network
For any woman who wants to climb the career ladder, it is important to network. Ask your colleagues and superiors to explain their roles, experience, and advice on how to advance. Be honest and open with them about your career aspirations and enthusiasm to learn. People enjoy describing their journey with others who are interested in following a similar path and will be excited to share their knowledge with you when they can.
Sources: Forbes, wforwoman, Harvard Business School, afjn
