She’s the boss

LEADING THE WAY: Women acts as compassionate and understanding bosses

They are at the top. And they are the bosses of all they survey. PT talks to women chiefs who have made an impact.

THEY have the right style of leadership. They also display a special warmth that is absent in most men. Women bosses, whether great ladies of history or more contemporary pioneers, have always made a difference to their colleagues and companies through hard work and single-minded goal of perfection. And every woman has a story to tell. Lila Poonawalla, who holds the post of director in various local companies, feels she has been able to understand her employees better. “As a woman, you are able to understand their body language, psychology and emotions much better. We are a more focused, and stable lot. While there were some men who didn’t want to work under a lady, after seeing others’ progress, the reason for taking a woman as the head of a company is clear.” But to get to the top, women have to prove themselves time and again. Architect Gauri Naik Navare says, “Initially, it wasn’t easy for me to break into the construction field as it’s dominated by men. But now that I have made my mark here, it feels great. It has been a good experience.” Naik Navare says she has been able to influence a lot of women during the course of her career. And she believes that women bosses are a class apart. “I would say women are better bosses as they have more patience, understanding and listen to what others have to say,” says she.

For Pratima Kirloskar, president of an innovation society, attitude is everything. “Everything is interwoven – your attitude and the actions based on your attitude. When people know that you cannot be bought or deterred, they have confidence in you. The biggest compliment for me would be the mimicry of this positive attitude.” Aruna Katara, president of an IT management institute, started her life from the bottom of the pyramid. And she learnt and grew with her team. “There were times that my subordinates were like my seniors, giving me advice.” Katara has realised that, more than the numbers game, the quality of the product that one provides makes the real difference. “The quality of work is more important. And that quality comes when there is a direct connection with the employees. These are the values I’m trying to pass onto my faculty.” Though only three years old in the business, Damini Oberoi, director of a hotel management institute and PR company, is enjoying her journey. These three years have brought her respect and love from employees and students. “Age has been an advantage when it comes to new thoughts and ideas. I have become the peacemaker between the senior management and the junior staff. But I’m still learning to become tougher when it comes to work.” 

Women bosses possess a rich perspective and the right vision, too. Our conclusion: We need more women in leadership roles. And, the time is now.