< As a relatively new member of email networking groups, I am taking what feels like a major step in “putting myself out there” by asking you guys to share your wisdom and experience with me, as I set out on a new business venture - which is specialist coaching for executive women.

I have a multitude of ideas, a methodology, and considerable experience in this field. The difficult bit for me is how best to put myself out there (in the past I have mainly worked through other consultancies). I want to put myself firmly in the shoes of the women I am trying to reach and talk about the issues most challenging to them. I think I know, but want to test this out and make sure these ideas are valid and current.

SO IF YOU ARE

an executive woman or familiar with the issues they face in the corporate world

OR

you know someone who is

THEN WOULD YOU (OR THEY)

be willing to offer feedback / be a sounding board for me to beta test some ideas and collect new ones?

THE BENEFIT TO YOU

would be that you can have access to the results that come in and be assured that other successful women face the same or similar challenges that you do.

Through this email I would welcome responses from anyone (please pass this on) with relevant knowledge and experience. Then I would love to set up a DREAM TEAM with people who are passionate about this subject and are willing to help me shape it.

JOIN THE WOMEN’S WAY WORKING DREAM TEAM AS A FOUNDER MEMBER FOR FREE AND ……..

you can receive support, help, access to resources and network among peers

All responses will be treated in absolute confidentiality and I promise not to pass on your contact details to anyone else.

SO IF YOU ARE READY AND WILLING, PLEASE  ADD YOUR COMMENTS TO THE ISSUES BELOW:

RESEARCH:  CHALLENGING ISSUES FOR EXECUTIVE WOMEN

Below are 7 issues which I believe are typically challenging for executive / entrepreunerial women. Please rank each issue from 0 – 6 (0= not important; 6 = most important). Then add any clarification, development , further thoughts or comments about the issues. If you have an example of that issue in practice then either briefly outline it or add your telephone number if you would rather talk it through.

Finally, please say something about your own level of knowledge / experience – i.e. position held now or in past; knowledge of other executive women; coached these women etc.

It would be very helpful if you could write your responses in a different coloured font. It seems to work best if you hit the reply button first, then fill in your responses. Many many thanks for your contributions.

YOUR KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE:

THE ISSUES

1.

ISOLATION:

Rate (0-6)

often the only woman at this level; previous peers now “subordinates”; feeling “different”; forming close alliances with male colleagues not so easy; holding different priorities; not easy to find peers in other organisations;

Comments

Examples

2.

FEMININE QUALITIES SEEN AS FAULTS:    

Rate (0-6)

too soft / caring / nurturing/ power sharing / team player / safe / indirect.

Comments

Examples

3.

DESIRE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:    

Rate (0-6)

unable to sufficiently influence and implement changes; blocked because not seen as contributing to the bottom line; changes would be threatening to status quo; lack of recognition that this “difference” is what is needed; difficult in a masculine environment.

Comments

Examples

4.

POWER:      

Rate (0-6)

how to express power, make an impact / influence others – in a woman’s way; establishing a firm inner foundation of self reliance; knowing without a doubt that her own style of being and working is absolutely effective and much needed; countering aggression without being aggressive; holding true to feminine values (alongside the masculine)

Comments

Examples

5.

BETRAYAL:

Rate (0-6)

male colleagues supporting in private - denying in public; earlier supporters / mentors withdrawing as woman gains promotions; previous colleagues and peers withdrawing; being set up / provoked at meetings; left out of the loop in communications and social events.

Comments

Examples

6.

CONFIDENCE:                   

Rate (0-6)

less self -assured for all the reasons above; no good role models for self or others to relate to; constant fight against masculine values and culture – lose heart/ values / power; being bullied; sexual harrasment.

Comments

Examples

7.

WORK LIFE BALANCE:  

Rate (0-6)

usually still majorly responsible for the children / home; discriminated against if unable to do long hours / long socialising; less mobile;

Comments

Examples

8.

OTHER:                   

Rate (0-6)

Please ofer any other issues which you think are core challenges for executive women.

Comments

Examples