Tag: Leadership
As Women’s Day approaches, we wanted to share stories of incredible Indian women who have shattered stereotypes and proven that leadership knows no boundaries. These stories inspire us to rethink leadership and empower those around us. For HR and L&D professionals like you, these lessons can be the foundation for impactful learning and development initiatives.
Let’s dive into these inspiring stories.
Chandro Tomar, the Revolver Rani
Source: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/QBUr-KQ7L4E/maxresdefault.jpg
Chandro Tomar is an octogenarian who proved to the world that you can master any skill irrespective of your age. She is a sharp shooter from a village in Uttar Pradesh. With her laser-like focus and a steady hand, she has done wonders with her pistol. The surprising thing is that she competed with the DIG of Delhi Police and won the contest too. Leaders can take a piece of learning from Chandro’s story that age is just a number. If you have the will, you will acquire the skill at any age. From Robert Noyce from Intel to Ray Kroc of McDonalds, they proved that leadership has nothing to do with age. They succeeded in their business ventures post their 40s.
Leadership Lesson: Age is no barrier to growth. This story reminds HR and L&D professionals of the importance of fostering a growth mindset among employees, encouraging lifelong learning, and embracing opportunities at any stage of life.
Shanti Devi, India’s first truck mechanic
Source: https://s4.scoopwhoop.com/anj/shantidevi/134890468.jpg
Shanti Devi has broken the glass ceiling by proving that a woman can become a truck mechanic too. A job restricted to only men earlier is now seeing a new paradigm shift. Shanti Devi works as a truck mechanic in Delhi, and you can see her fixing a 50 kg tire puncture all alone on a normal working day. She learned the skill by watching her husband and other mechanics at work. She has proven that women leaders can break the glass ceiling in any field and stand eye to eye with their counterparts. Today we live in the world where we see leaders like German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May leading a nation.
Leadership Lesson: Breaking stereotypes fosters innovation and progress. HR leaders can design training programs that encourage employees, especially women, to explore unconventional roles and develop skills that challenge norms.
Meenakshi Amma, Kalaripayattu Expert
Source: http://www.thenewsminute.com/sites/default/files/kalari%20meenakshi%20main.jpg
With a shield and a sword in her hands instead of only bangles around her wrists, Meenakshi has proven that one can master any art if one is ready to practice. She is a master in the field of Kalaripayattu, an ancient art of martial arts that originated in Kerala. She has spent a staggering 68 years practicing and teaching this art and has also won a Padma Shri Award. Leaders must practice their art to become masters. Dedicated focus, getting up every day and practicing their art makes them unique in their fields. See Meenakshi’s here.
Leadership Lesson: Mastery comes from dedication. For organizations, this translates to investing in long-term skill development and creating a culture that values expertise.
Neerja Bhanot, a remarkable flight attendant
Source: http://ssbcrack.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Neerja-Bhanot-Ashok-Chakra.jpg
Neerja Bhanot was a flight attendant who thwarted the hijack plan of one of the Pan Am flights in 1986. She went beyond the call of duty to help in the rescue of 359 people out of 379 and was later shot by the terrorist. She gave the last ounce of her blood in saving the passengers of the flight even when she was wounded. She was posthumously awarded the highest Indian gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, and several other awards by other countries. Leaders can take a lesson from her story of courage; leaders must go beyond the call of duty they set an example for other people. Sir Martin Luther King, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and many other leaders have proven that when you go beyond your job responsibilities you begin to create a new life for yourself and others.
Leadership Lesson: True leaders go beyond their call of duty. This story encourages HR professionals to cultivate resilience and a sense of responsibility in employees, preparing them to lead in critical moments.
Arunima Sinha, first female amputee to scale Everest
Source: http://achhikhabre.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/arunima-sinha-first-woman-amputee-to-scale-mounth-everest.jpg
Imagine a woman losing one of her legs in a train accident and then deciding to scale the world’s highest peak. This is the story of Arunima Sinha, who was mauled by thieves in a train while she was travelling to take an examination. Sinha recounts, “I resisted and they pushed me out of the train. I could not move. I remember seeing a train coming towards me. I tried getting up. By then, the train had run over my leg. I don’t remember anything after that.” While recovering from the injury she resolved to climb Mt. Everest, which ultimately made her the first female amputee to scale Everest. As a leader, one must have bounce-back power as shown by Arunima. It’s all about bouncing back from failures and winning again that makes a successful leader. This reminds me of Amitabh Bachchan who went through a bad patch in business when his company ABC Corp. was not doing well. He didn’t give up. Instead he persevered and came up with India’s leading television show, Kaun Banega Crorepati. Leaders make the best out of tough times and then they make it big.
Leadership Lesson: Resilience is the cornerstone of leadership. HR and L&D professionals can incorporate resilience training into their programs to prepare employees for challenges.
Falguni Nayar: Founder of Nykaa
At the age of 50, Falguni Nayar left her successful career in investment banking to launch Nykaa, now one of India’s leading e-commerce platforms. Her journey highlights the value of leveraging experience to innovate and succeed. Nykaa’s success story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurship and vision.
Leadership Lesson: It’s never too late to start. Organizations should foster entrepreneurial thinking, encouraging employees to innovate and take ownership of their ideas.
Avani Chaturvedi: India’s First Female Fighter Pilot
Avani Chaturvedi made history as one of India’s first female fighter pilots. Her achievement broke barriers in a field long dominated by men, inspiring countless young women to dream big and challenge societal expectations.
Leadership Lesson: Breaking barriers requires courage and support. HR leaders can create inclusive environments that empower individuals to explore their full potential.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw: Biocon’s Visionary Leader
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw founded Biocon, one of India’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, in a field where women were almost non-existent. Her leadership has transformed Biocon into a global success and earned her numerous accolades, including a spot on Forbes’s list of the world’s most powerful women.
Leadership Lesson: Leadership Lesson: Visionary leadership drives innovation. HR and L&D programs should emphasize big-picture thinking and encourage leaders to take calculated risks.
Why do the stories of these women matter?
As HR and L&D leaders, these stories provide actionable insights into fostering leadership, resilience, and inclusivity within your teams. By drawing inspiration from these leaders, you can design programs that:
- Promote diversity and inclusion.
- Encourage resilience and adaptability.
- Foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
This Women’s Day, consider how you can bring these lessons to life within your organization.
Continue reading “5 Tips To Facilitate An Online Session With Ease”
Women’s Day is not just an occasion to celebrate; it’s an opportunity to reflect, learn, and act. While the first Women’s Day was observed in 1909 in New York, the United Nations formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day in 1975. Despite the strides made toward gender equality since then, the journey is far from over.
The Reality of Gender Equality in India
Updated statistics and insights reveal the pressing need for continued efforts:
- Workforce Participation: Women make up only 22% of India’s labor force in 2024, a significant drop from 36.7% in 2008.
- Unpaid Labor: A staggering 66% of women’s work in India remains unpaid, with most of it being informal and unprotected.
- Leadership Representation: Women hold just 5% of senior leadership roles in Indian companies.
- Gender Pay Gap: Women in India earn only 39.8% of what men earn, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024.
- Safety Concerns: Crimes against women have increased over the years, with 90% of women in urban areas reporting harassment or violence in public spaces.
These numbers are not just statistics; they’re a call to action for organizations, leaders, and individuals to foster meaningful change.
Rethinking Women’s Day Celebrations
Far too often, Women’s Day celebrations fall into the trap of superficial gestures. Here’s what to avoid:
- The Usual Clichés: Overuse of pink themes, embroidery workshops, and cooking contests reinforce stereotypes rather than challenge them.
- Empty Gestures: Roses on desks, group selfies, and token acknowledgments on social media don’t create lasting impact.
- Patronizing Behavior: Offering excessive help, unsolicited advice, or being overly sweet can come across as insincere or intrusive.
Making Women’s Day Meaningful
If you want to create real impact, here are actionable ideas:
1. Measure the Impact of Your Women’s Day Celebrations
Use surveys to gather feedback from employees on how the event made them feel and whether it inspired change.
Track key metrics such as engagement levels, participation rates, and post-event initiatives sparked by the celebrations.
Evaluate whether the discussions led to actionable outcomes, such as policy changes or new programs.
2. Reflect on the True Difference a Day Can Make
A one-day event might seem insignificant, but it can serve as a powerful catalyst for change if done thoughtfully:
Start conversations about gender equity that continue throughout the year.
Use the day to launch long-term initiatives like mentorship programs, diversity audits, or leadership development for women.
Recognize and celebrate women’s contributions in a way that inspires action rather than just appreciation.
3. Ensure a Year-Long Impact
To ensure that Women’s Day is not just a one-off event:
- Integrate Learning and Development: Offer training sessions on unconscious bias, inclusive leadership, and gender equity for all employees.
- Create Safe Spaces: Establish forums where women can voice their concerns and collaborate on solutions.
- Set Clear Goals: Commit to tangible changes, such as increasing the percentage of women in leadership roles or closing the gender pay gap.
- Foster Allyship: Engage men in discussions about gender equality and involve them in actionable steps to create a balanced workplace.
Daily Behaviors That Drive Change
- Treat Women Equally, Respectfully: The best way to honor Women’s Day is to treat female colleagues with the same respect and professionalism as male colleagues. This doesn’t mean ignoring unique challenges but addressing them with empathy and fairness.
- Mind Your Language: Avoid sexist remarks and challenge others who perpetuate them. A workplace free of stereotypes and microaggressions fosters better collaboration and morale.
- Involve Men in the Dialogue: Gender equality is not a women’s issue; it’s a collective goal. Host workshops that include men and facilitate discussions about building a gender-neutral workplace.
- Commit to Gender Diversity in Leadership: Representation matters. If your organization truly values Women’s Day, make it a priority to increase the percentage of women in senior roles. Align your actions with your statements to avoid being perceived as performative.
Observe, Don’t Just Celebrate
Women’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. It’s not about pink balloons or pretty pictures; it’s about fostering real, lasting change. By observing the day thoughtfully and with purpose, we can create a workplace and a world where equality isn’t just a goal but a reality.
So, how will you observe Women’s Day this year? Share your thoughts or reach out to us at hello@focusu.com to discuss how we can help you make a difference. Together, let’s ensure that Women’s Day is not just celebrated but truly observed.
#MorePowerToYou
Continue reading “The Inner Game: An Exceptional Coaching Tool”
6 Tips to Motivate Your Team
“If you want to build a ship, don’t drum up people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.
5 Tips For New Managers
I had an interesting conversation recently with a business leader about employees taking up people management roles for the first time. Individual contributors who do well in their roles, get promoted to people managers as a natural career progression in most companies. His concern was well founded – how do we promote people without measuring their ability to manage people?
