Women told to rely on instinct
The good news: Women don’t have to behave like men at work. The bad news: Many women haven’t heard the good news.
But Laura Benjamin, who specializes in business relationship development, is spreading the word. She’s the keynote speaker at this year’s annual Southern Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Accolades Luncheon, which takes place Aug. 31 at The Broadmoor West.
Women can become exceptional business leaders if they follow the natural female tendency to build relationships, Benjamin said.
“We need leaders who are sophisticated enough to be able to walk the line between having personal relationships and keeping it strictly business,” she said.
People unwilling to develop relationship skills in the workplace “have no business being in a leadership role because people follow the individual, not the rank,” said Benjamin, an Air Force veteran.
“If you want stellar teams and significant increases in performance and productivity, you’ll recognize the importance personal relationships play within any team environment,” she said.
Women in the work force today, however, often are confused about whether it’s OK and of benefit to their employer to combine their personal and professional lives, Benjamin said.
“Women get caught up in this philosophy that they have to do it like the guys do. There- fore, we cheat ourselves out of the opportunity to take strength in our talents and do it differently,” she said.
“I hate to see women abdicate their power by feeling like they have to become something they’re not. You can be feminine and strong. You can establish strong relationships without compromising authority, and you can leverage team dynamics by cultivating those relationships and encouraging them within the team.”
Benjamin also advises women on the verge of making career decisions to trust their instincts and rely on their values to guide them.
“Put other people’s opinions lower than yours to find your life’s work that will give you the greatest sense of reward. It’s much better to feel like you’re doing rewarding work than to end up with good income but no work or life satisfaction.”
Above all, Benjamin encourages women to adopt an attitude of resiliency to face day-to-day challenges with courage and a “go-get-’em mentality.”
“It’s important not only to get in there and do it, but articulate and learn from your experiences by teaching others,” she said.
The Aug. 31 luncheon will include the Business Leader of the Year Award, which is given to a woman who has proven herself and is a role model for other professional women in the community.
The event is open to the public and starts at 11:30 a.m., with lunch served at noon. The cost is $40 per person.
To register go to www. scwcc.com. and click on Meetings.
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0235 or debbie.kelley@gazette.com
