Navigating Gender Dynamics in the Business World

In conversation with Prisila,Correspondent, Asia Business Outlook Magazine. Darshana shares her view on how business leaders resolve conflicts during procurement and also her perspective on women's management skills in team development, emphasizing the dynamics she fosters with her team.

Darshana Sharma, Experienced procurement professional with an MBA in marketing, leading indirect sourcing for Servier in the Middle East. She formerly managed procurement at Expo 2020 and contributed to public art programs. Her background in indirect sourcing with PwC, Johnson & Johnson, and Kraft Foods.

Exploring Negotiation and Assertiveness Approaches of Women Leaders in the Business World

Effective negotiation requires a balanced blend of IQ and EQ, regardless of gender. Success in negotiations depends on having an analytical approach and conducting thorough research to gather the right information. However, once at the negotiation table, emotional intelligence becomes crucial, involving patience, understanding, and strong communication skills.

Research suggests that women often demonstrate a higher inclination towards EQ, making them adept negotiators. A win-win mindset is essential, as negotiation isn't about one party winning and the other losing, but finding solutions that benefit both parties.

Cultivating a win-win mindset and building strong partnerships based on fairness, respect, and values lead to sustainable collaborations beyond mere financial gains. Remember, negotiation is about achieving mutual agreements, benefiting all involved parties.

Navigating Conflict Resolution in the Procurement Process: Insights into Effective Strategies Employed by Business Leaders and Stakeholders.

In procurement processes, the goal is to obtain goods or services while adhering to compliance and procedures. As a support function, our objective is to secure the best deal and ensure requester satisfaction. To avoid bottlenecks, we must collaborate with the team from the project's outset, sharing information and guidance. Conflict may still arise, but attentive listening and flexibility are essential. Occasionally, bending the rules to meet urgent needs can be beneficial, always while upholding compliances. Understanding the real concerns of requesters and demonstrating willingness to assist fosters cooperation. Strong, healthy relationships with requesters are key to conflict resolution. Ultimately, success lies in working together as one team toward a common goal.

Unleashing the Power of Women's Management Skills in Team Development: A Look at Leadership Dynamics and Collaborative Success.

Leadership and management skills are not bound by gender; anyone with capabilities can excel in their roles. Successful management skills are learned and developed through a combination of personal experiences, education, training, and individual characteristics, regardless of gender. Key qualities that may set women apart include patience, communication skills, and a focus on ensuring everyone's voice is heard in decision-making. Effective management styles are situational, considering diverse team backgrounds and capabilities. Sometimes, a task-oriented approach is necessary, while other times, empowering and guiding the team fosters success. Collaborative teamwork, where ideas are shared, problems are solved together, and relationships are nurtured, plays a crucial role in achieving outstanding outcomes.

Challenging Stereotypes: A Woman Leader Reflects on Her Journey

Women often face various stereotypes in leadership roles. These include assumptions that they are either too bossy or too unfeminine. These biases are real and have been documented in studies, such as those published in Harvard papers. Additionally, women encounter other stereotypes, like being labeled as overly emotional or facing unconscious bias that deems them unfit for certain positions. The perception that women lack assertiveness or cannot handle high-pressure situations creates a glass ceiling in their careers. In personal experiences, biases like the double bind and likability factor present unique challenges. Overcoming these biases requires extra effort to prove competence and promote diverse perspectives. Women should be empowered to lead in various forms, challenging societal preconceptions about leadership and showcasing their capabilities regardless of gender-based expectations. By fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, these stereotypes can be dismantled, enabling women to thrive in leadership positions and break through barriers.

"With fewer women in leadership roles, organizations must focus on developing tailored leadership skill programs and mentoring sessions to prepare and support aspiring female leaders."

Driving Change: Key Initiatives and Policies to Empower Women in Leadership Roles

The first crucial step in advancing women in leadership positions is to eliminate gender biases entirely. Looking at individuals solely through the lens of their gender perpetuates stereotypes and hinders progress. Merit and talent should be the primary considerations for promotions and opportunities. Creating equal and fair chances for all employees to prove their worth is essential. With fewer women in leadership roles, organizations must focus on developing tailored leadership skill programs and mentoring sessions to prepare and support aspiring female leaders. Conducting bias awareness training can address unconscious biases that hinder women's career growth. By implementing such initiatives, organizations can foster an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers women to thrive in leadership roles and contribute significantly to the success of the organization.

Conclusion: Promoting gender equality in the workplace goes beyond simply focusing on men and women. While there is increased awareness and campaigns for support, the key lies in providing equal opportunities to all employees based on their capabilities, not gender. The "he for she" campaigns may have good intentions, but true progress comes from eliminating discrimination based on gender entirely. Both men and women are capable of excelling in their roles and can benefit from guidance and support regardless of their gender. The goal is to address unconscious biases that hinder anyone's growth and recognize that all individuals are equal and deserve equal opportunities. By embracing this mindset and fostering an inclusive environment, organizations can unleash the potential of their workforce and create a truly equitable workplace where talent and merit prevail over gender stereotypes.