
Women still lag behind their male counterparts. In a recent salary survey the evidence proves that not much has changed in the last few years, Richter (2015:14). Retention and growth in a more inclusive work environment – with the specific focus on women – does not show a lot of positivity in the South Africa environment.
Why focus on women in leadership assuming that through democracy, diversity awareness and the focus on women programmes in the workplace, we still do not have sufficient presentation?
Women make up more than half of the workforce, but statistically constitute less than 10% of top management. The challenge is that women still deal with discrimination in typically male-orientated industries, as well as in most organisations. Discrimination and traditional challenges abound in the workplace. The reasons for resistance to women in management and leadership roles can be deeper than what we experience on the surface, and often the discrimination is seated in our socialisation, our own projection of our perceived roles, and the early messages that informs our roles in society, and more specific in the workplace.
It is important to explore the roles of women in the workplace, and more specifically how women take up their management and leadership roles, but it leads to a plethora of different reasons and possible hypotheses without concrete answers. The only other alternative is to explore the competencies which will result in effective managers and good leadership required, with the underpinning of our socialisation and introjections or projections that defines women leaders.
Often women sabotage other women in leadership or management roles because of possible envy and scarcity of roles in top leadership positions. The comments often abound of women who meet the unexpected resistance from other women. All these factors need to be understood and women need to be enabled to step into roles and not be defined by any resistance or role confusion that might emerge or exists.
During the course, the competencies of good leaders and managers are thoroughly discussed. Women leaders get to know themselves, learn how to set a compelling vision, manage according to their values and manage on a practical level. The course is based on sound managerial and leadership theories, but set out to develop specific skills that will add to resilience, coping mechanisms and increased effectiveness in role. Adequate time is allowed for handling work-life balance and managing personal growth and development.
For more insights join the Management & Leadership course held by Alusani Skills & Training Network®. Please contact Alusani® for the latest dates. You can save up to R2000, when you register and pay early!