How Women Can Improve Their Leadership Skills

According to the Women's Leadership Study, recently released by KPMG, it was found that although most women plan to work in leadership roles, majority of them find it hard to visualise themselves as leaders. The study, which surveyed around 3,000 professionals and college women across the US, found that every 6 in 10 women reported that they want to be employed as a senior leader in an organisation and over 50 per cent of them want to be a part of the board. However, 6 in 10 US women also claimed that they tend to find it difficult to think of themselves as business leaders, while sharing how they identify themselves. More than 56 per cent of working women claimed that they were rather cautious about their femininity and moving towards leadership roles.

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Dr. Bernice Ledbetter, Practitioner Faculty of Organizational Theory and Management at Graziadio School of Business and Management of Pepperdine University, wrote in a recent post for The Huffington Post “Fortunately, there are a number of ways that women can develop leadership skills and increase their confidence. Cost, complexity and time commitment vary- but the key is to find the right fit for you. Consider asking your employer to invest in your professional development. Many companies and organizations will pay for classes and trainings. Your boss might also be willing to give you a project that enhances your leadership skills. Sometimes, just asking is all it takes.”

Here are 5 great ways women can build strong leadership skills-

Participate in industry specific seminars

Each and every sector and industry has some associations which conduct various conferences and seminars. Different companies and universities also organise industry specific events which are an excellent way for you to learn from experienced and established leaders and executives, study tips for development and explore latest trends and advancements in your field. Ledbetter wrote “Becoming more immersed in your field and further developing your expertise is one of the best ways to move up the career ladder. ”

Look for online training

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You can find several helpful yet free online resources which can provide you effective guidance for leadership development. According to Dr. Ledbetter “For example, the website Mind Tools has a large index of articles offering advice on topics such as how to delegate effectively, how to build a positive team and how to be an authentic and ethical leader. ”

Pursue a certification program

Several institutes like Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School, offer certificate programmes which have been specifically developed as week-long or short day programmes that focus on teaching a particular discipline. Such type of programmes have been developed for working professionals and aim to offer the flexibility and opportunity to study what they need along with other like-minded individuals. She added “The benefit of getting a formal certification is that in addition to learning valuable information you have a formal credential to add to your resume. ”

Earn an MBA

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 In the article, Dr. Ledbetter wrote “Going back to school and getting an MBA or a MS degree in management and leadership is one of the best ways to develop your leader identity. Higher education helps many students, especially women, develop the confidence, credibility and expertise they need to advance in their career.” This will enable you gain expertise in technical skills like marketing, accounting & finance and learn essential human skills like how to lead a team effectively and manage group dynamics.

Get a mentor

Did you know the most effective leadership training can often come an individual who can show you your mistakes, tell you how to make it right and advice you about the future path towards growth. Dr. Bernice Ledbetter added “Having someone who can give you honest feedback and encouragement is critical for women at every stage in their career. ”

What do you think? How are you improving your leadership skills? Feel free to share your views, concerns and experiences with us by commenting below.

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Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Study Business Online

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Are you thinking about pursuing an MBA and advancing your career? Are you confused about whether to go for a full time traditional MBA or an online MBA? Well then you have come to the right place as we have the answer to your question. 

Why Study Business Online?

 

In today’s economic condition, going for a full time MBA programme simply does not make any sense, especially if you are already working. Full time programmes are not only expensive, but tend to take up all of your time which results in lost wages and affects your personal and professional life. 

Online business programmes have completely revolutionised the business education scenario by making MBA more affordable, flexible and easily accessible. Due to its several benefits, many learners from across the globe are now pursuing online business diploma programmes as it enables them to study and work at the same time. When you study an online MBA you can not only earn an accredited qualification, but you will also have the opportunity to gain relevant work experience as well. 

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Among the many benefits offered by online diploma in business programmes, here you will find the top 5 reasons why you should earn your business degree online- 

Boost Your Employability

 

Online business diplomas not only help you to acquire essential business knowledge and skills, but they also make you eligible for better job opportunities. As online diplomas are now accepted and valued by prominent companies worldwide, your online qualification will make you a desirable candidate in the eyes of potential employers. It will enable you to land your desired job by increasing your employability.

Improve Your Networking

 

During your business studies you will meet with various new people from different parts of the world who will become your friends in future. You will get to interact with your classmates and professors regularly through online chat rooms, forums and video chats. This will help you to expand your networking as all of your classmates will become prominent managers and business leaders in future. The bonding you share with your friends will open up new doors to better business opportunities for you. 

Earn More Money

 

This one is simple. Having a business diploma will empower you to make more money. According to reports, graduates of business diploma online programmes end up earning a lot more money than non-graduates. A recent study by Federal Reserve Bank of New York reveals that bachelor’s degree graduates earn almost $1 million more than normal high school graduates. 

Job Security and Stability

 

A number of reports reveal that college graduates are more likely to stay in employment during a period of recession as compared to non-graduates. Moreover, even if you end up losing your job somehow, your business education will ensure that you get another job very soon. 

A Sense of Achievement

 

Earning a business diploma is remarkable personal achievement for each and every student. As you will need to be self-motivated and manage your study schedules with your personal and professional life, getting your diploma through all the hard work is truly a great achievement. 

There you have it....the top 5 reasons why you should pursue business diploma online programmes and how it can improve your professional life. If you want to add anything to the list above, then share your views in the comments section below.

Can A Fast Track MBA Programme Help You Gain Hands On Experience?

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As the global job market becomes increasingly competitive, more and more graduates are feeling the compulsion to pursue an MBA. But is earning an MBA enough to build a rewarding career? Or do you need something else?

The fact is most companies look for applicants who have experience along with an accredited degree. As your employer will expect you to be productive at the workplace from the first day itself, you need to gain some relevant work experience, apart from having a degree. I agree that in today’s business world, earning an MBA is very important for your career advancement, but when you pursue a full time programme there is no scope for gaining any hands-on experience. An online fast track MBA on the other hand offers ample opportunities to the learners to gain some experience in their desired field while they pursue their studies. So what should you do? Should you go for a traditional degree or should earn experience? Read on to find the answer....

Is Experience Essential?

Many business leaders believe that you cannot learn the best business management lessons by sitting in the sleek classrooms of business schools. You need to get out and get your hands dirty. It is only through your experience of failures, perseverance, strategies and achievements in the workplace, you can truly learn about how to help a business grow. Although MBA programmes  do teach you about the different core concepts of business, you only end up learning how to apply the information you have gained, which in most cases does not transform to knowledge.

If you wish to become a successful manager or leader, you need various traits that you cannot learn in the classroom. It is only by undertaking responsibilities related to leadership roles you can acquire the required traits. An MBA does not necessarily guarantee a senior level position. You need to have a thorough understanding of the business which only comes from years of experience in the field.

Does That Mean An MBA Is Not Worth It?

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Not at all. In today’s competitive world, a business management degree has a lot of value for anyone who wants to become a successful business leader in the future. An MBA programme helps you to learn various techniques related to business management. You will be able to acquire essential skill sets that are needed to enhance productivity and efficiency of a company. You will also gain comprehensive knowledge about different industries, global market trends, business scenarios in different regions and understand key financial issues. A business degree will enable you to become efficient decision-makers with multi-tasking skills so that you can boldly face the challenges of the corporate world.

What Is The Solution?

Simply go for an online business diploma from any accredited online B-school, instead of pursuing a full time MBA. An online business diploma will offer you the flexibility to work while you pursue your education. As you will have the opportunity to learn about the core concepts of business management and apply them at your workplace at the same time, you will be able to gain valuable knowledge through both your diploma and work experience. Moreover with an online diploma in business you will have the option to fast track to MBA degree online or on-campus and advance your career further by upskilling.

This type of a programme is certainly an excellent solution which helps you to balance your studies and your work effectively. A fast track MBA programme will enable you to do an internship or a part-time or even a full-time job and yet manage adequate time to invest on your coursework. It will not only help you to earn an accredited qualification along with relevant experience, but it will also demonstrate that you are committed towards your professional and personal advancement.

Do you think experience is more important than a degree? Can an online business diploma help you? Do you have anything to add to the discussion? Feel free to leave your comments below.....

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