I recently helped coordinate a photo shoot with this year’s Smart Women panelists. These four accomplished businesswomen will lead a discussion on success redefined at the Smart Women Breakfast on Oct. 2, and it was a pleasure to begin to get to know them.
It was also interesting to see the parallels and differences between their careers and successes.
These are four business leaders who are in four different industries. Some work at large corporations, while others run their own business. They all speak, however, about the importance of balance and mentoring.
Beware of burnout
Encouraging strong interests of your employees outside of the office may seem like a counterintuitive business strategy, but smart companies realize that burnout is a real danger.
By encouraging employees to work a little less, you have a better chance of retaining employees. And isn’t that better in the long run? Sustainable businesses aren’t built on this quarter’s profits.
At the same time, however, work/life balance isn’t enough anymore; it’s become a typical business operation. You need to give your employees that same balance within your four walls.
Employees want to be given a purpose and freedom. They want to see how their work contributes to the overall success of the company, while being allowed the freedom to be creative to work to their best capacity.
Being supportive
Along with balance, our Smart Women panelists believe it’s important to give back — to include the upcoming generation, whether it’s women, minorities or just those who are climbing the career ladder.
Promoting diversity is an expected commitment in the business world today, and just like with workforce safety, how much organizations embrace it certainly varies. But a lesser-known business strategy is effective inclusion, which involves embracing new ideas, different styles of thinking and types of leaders.
The soft tissue of the business — culture — is what allows your organization to become greater than its parts. While seeking out those with diverse backgrounds and ideas, support those around you and, again, give them the freedom to be their best self.
EVENT Celebrate with the Smart Women panelists and award finalists at the Smart Women Breakfast on Oct. 2 at the Hilton Polaris.