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In my work as a Business Psychologist, I have undertaken a number of
research projects in the last 10 years. The most successful, in terms
of the willingness of high-level participants to contribute and take
an interest in the results, is 'The Characteristics of Successful Business
Women'.
I took a particular interest in the subject because I wanted to determine
whether notably successful women displayed features in their personality
or backgrounds that would preclude everyday working women from aspiring
to success. In effect: could any woman be a high achiever?
The abstract of the research is outlined here:
Success was defined as having achieved a minimum level of Director within
an organisation. 12 women were interviewed, aged between 35 and 56. They
earned between £80,000 and £350,000 plus. Interviews were
conducted face to face because of the personal nature
of the information. These interviews took 10 months to complete between
May 1999 and February 2000.
The findings support the expectation that to be successful knowledge
and skill are necessary to do the job. There also has
to be a clear idea of personal goals, the determination and drive to
achieve them and the commitment to persevere despite setbacks. The process
of obtaining that knowledge can be through education but the interviews
demonstrated it can be gained equally through on the job learning. The
application of that learning then supported the experience necessary
to do the job well.
Other findings of the research supported the fact that there are behaviours
to emulate and avoid, and that observing and learning from significant
people helped determine which behaviours these were. Moving between organisations
at advantageous times enabled learning about different roles and the
cultures, an example which women who wish to be successful need to emulate.
Most significant of all was learning to relate and communicate with
people. Many of the participants felt this was key to their success.
They believed in dealing with others respectfully and in 'treating people
as they would wish to be treated themselves'.
If you would like to discuss the research findings, please contact me.
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The characteristics of successful business women 
