The Power of a Network

OK all of your powerful ladies, and the important men who support us, it is gut check time.  Lately, I have read a disturbing number of articles about the exodus of women from leadership positions in business  America.  The most recent article, http://www.workingmother.com/BestCompanies/work-life-balance/2010/06/what-female-leaders-want makes it clear that most women are not being pushed out, they are opting out.  Many women are deliberately choosing to leave high paying, highly revered, hard to obtain executive level positions to pursue positions of lesser responsibility.  The Managing Partner of a large law firm I work with recently told me, "Women and Big Law are like oil and water"  In his firm he sees women work hard, achieve high levels of success, and then walk away from it all. 

What Gives?

I have read many theories as to why women are making these choices.  The most common themes are work/life balance (sound familiar), the need for more flexibility, & a lack of support.  As a woman, who made a conscious step-down career move,  I have my own theory.  I believe many women make this move because they don't have the right network around them.  I am not talking about the breakfast group where you exchange business cards- although such groups are uber important to business success-I am talking about the opportunity to spend time with similarly situated women who will push you, challenge you, inspire you,  kvetch with you, brainstorm alternative work arrangements with you, remind you of what you are giving up, call you on your BS card, and then turn around and hug you, congratulate you, and celebrate with you if you decide to make such a choice.


Most professional women I know spend the majority of their days in board rooms and court rooms with men.   It is very rare that high-level professional women have the opportunity to network with other high-level professional women.  This lack of a true peer to peer network can make professional life lonely. My theory is that simply having the right network of support would significantly slow the exodus. Doubt my theory?  When was the last time you had the opportunity to have an honest dialogue with similarly situated Professional Women?   So, the next time you are thinking about declining that invitation to the local women's chamber of commerce event because you cannot spare the time- think again.  Find the time to attend those Women in Business events, join the local Women's Bar Association, & constantly seek ways to intentionally nurture your peer support networks.  These contacts and connections are critical to your success.  Who knows, the women you meet may give you the resources to maintain your current position or the connections to find your next.  At a minimum, you are bound to meet some Powerful Ladies!



Networking Opportunities:
For any professional women in the Southwest, if the idea of a peer to peer network is appealing, you might consider the 100 Day Accelerated Coaching Program.  These classes are specifically designed for senior level Professional Women.  In addition to the built in opportunity to network with your peers, the classes provide valuable training and strategies on business development, time management, people management, and much more.

In Arizona: www.coachhonoree.com/jonelle
In Nevada: www.coachhonoree.com/courtney
The rest of the Southwest www.coachhonoree.com