Based on talent, the Corporate world of today, is allowing
more women to reach closer to the top. No one can give an ideal formula for
success & advancement, for any person. But in the initial stages, the advice of experienced women will be useful, for the upcoming women. We should focus on our objective, identify & create paths accordingly. This book is based on lessons learnt, through in-depth interviews of 200 women at the top of America’s Fortune 1000 companies. The executives chosen from different races/colours/nationalities/age groups/education levels were interviewed. The book offers guidelines for the newcomers. It has 13 Chapters in 3 parts. Part 1 Chapter 1 states that due to problems at work & at home, all women do not want to work. The aspiring women should ascertain as to how other women achieved the things, by contacting similar women executives in other companies. As per Chapter 2, self-evaluation is necessary to know our capabilities. We should find out our motivational factors, goals, & ability to face the pressures in corporate life. Women trying to achieve perfection, may lead to non-delegation, more pressure of work, & non-completion of projects in time. We should understand the environment, unwritten rules, extent of duties & lines of
communication etc. We should make periodic self-assessment, as per the given list of 21 questions. As per Part 2 Chapter 3, results do matter, but they are not all that matters. We must not antagonize the sales force, customers etc. As a result of the survey, the author presents four critical success factors as –Competence, Outcomes, Relationships & Endurance (in short C.O.R.E.). We should love our work, with a positive can-do & will-do attitude. Chapter 4 advises forming strong alliances, with trustworthy colleagues or consultants, for personal & professional development. Alliances should be built in a pro-active manner at all levels, with honesty & sincerity for nurturing a reciprocal relationship, esp. with the immediate boss, & the people of the same level inside & outside our functional area in the company. We should have two clear relationships, personal & professional. Also the matters & problems of the office, may be confided in with the spouse, irrespective of whether he can be helpful or not.
As per Chapter 5, business is based on human interaction, i.e. being nice, approachable, helpful & generous. We should be a good listener, care for, understand & value others as human beings. We should support the employees, & take genuine interest in their welfare. The executive may be humble & generous, but power must not be given away. In case of problems & misunderstandings in some relationships, we should start a new chapter. We should not be a threat to anyone, & we should nurture strong relationship with the co-workers & form teams. In Chapter 6 author advises us to be decisive, assertive & confident. When a challenging assignment is offered or desired, even in an uncharted field, we must show that we can do it. We must aim for the right kind of, & varied experience. Chapter 7 advocates that we should engage in the behaviour & activities, in which we are comfortable. We should be thoughtful, concise, straightforward & direct in our dealings, with integrity & a sense of humour. Chapter 8 advises us to find several persons, as advocates or supporters or advisors, & to carefully watch & emulate the admired role models, in-and outside the company. We should have supportive multiple relationships with right people. We should also become an advisor for someone else, in the organization. Part 3 Chapter 9 discusses about a judicious combination of corporate career, & a personal married life along with kids. These are personal decisions, based on interior voices. The children should also be involved in effective communications, managing priorities, dealing with conflicts & taking decisions, besides an open communication between the husband & wife. Chapter 10 discusses the conflicting requirements, & balancing of the work life & the personal life. We should be mentally & physically well for taking care of the job, company & family. Periodically we must have a break, by having vacations with family. Crisis in life & change in priorities, should not jeopardize the prospects at work. We should feel happy & balanced in life, by developing interests & contacts outside the work. Chapter 11 takes up the topic of career strategies of high-level minority women. Companies wanting qualified & diverse talent, should appreciate diversity of thought & behaviour. We should involve in informal groups of people of various cultures. Chapter 12 discusses each of the 15 proven strategies for advancing the career. Chapter 13 advises each person to construct her own road map for career progress, as per her goals, expectations & the focus area. We should discuss our executive development plan with the boss or advisor. The authors detail a process for career development. They have an interesting style of writing. The book provides a road map for success, & it is considered that the observations & experiences will be helpful, to upcoming executives, especially for those having a desire & dream of power & status of managerial positions. It is considered suitable for women (& also men) executives, managers, academicians, students, & the general public at large.