The Power Of Women
“Power” and “Women,” have been combined in many of ways: Women and Power, Women of Power, Powerful Women with each phrase conveying different meanings.
Power as a noun means “the ability to act, direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events.” There is a plethora of conferences, workshops and books focusing on recognizing our power and its impact on our shared environment. The best of these state, in one way or another, that “the Point of Power is the Present.” We only act in the here and now, and for this reason, when we are mindful and intentional, the present is a powerful gift we give ourselves
KAREN BLACKWELL»
Power is also a verb, as in “just power through it.” We use our will hundreds of times daily to make things happen. We power our lives through intention and when we recognize this, and are mindful, we use our power wisely to shape our lives and the lives of others.
The “Power of Women” is felt when we collaboratively use our agency to further diversity goals. Consider how impactful it is, when in corporate HR or Procurement environments we choose to include minorities, veterans, women, the disabled or other groups when considering new employees or business relationships. When this happens, we successfully drive conversations supporting the future. Using our intention to design, affect and foster an inclusive environment makes us effective change agents, creating a world prepared to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
Hey, this may not be easy. Sometimes, we find ourselves as the only woman in the room who thinks inclusion and diversity are important. When this happens, it’s not always easy to speak up, to call attention to something overlooked or question a comment that requires clarification. This is where a magazine like Diversity Professional reminds us that we are part of a larger community with a collective responsibility that blankets the nation. Embracing our collective and individual power to influence when at the decision table helps our bosses, peers and direct reports expand their perspectives, creating results that reflect America and winning, when called to compete.
Some women innately seem to know how to use their personal power and command a difference. We should watch and emulate them when we can. If we know them personally, why not create a lunch date with a request that they share one or two things that they do to advance their point of view?
Do they set pre-meetings with allies, develop a strategy to collect easy wins or use humor to break down barriers? Did they develop confidence in their abilities because they were the apple of the family’s eye or by finding a mentor? If this is a powerful person who is a public personality, she may have a blog, video, book or biography you can check out to learn more about them.
In the presence of these powerful women, you can feel their energy, as if they’ve tapped into a hidden reserve they use to refuel success at will!
While they may be special, they also do one thing we can copy. We, too, can be present and mindful and understand the impact of our intentions and actions.
WHEN WE DECODE THEIR BEHAVIOR WE GET:
THIS FORMULA HELPS US HARNESS OUR PERSONAL POWER, AFFECT CHANGE, IMPACT THE WORLD AND EMBRACE THE FUTURE.
