55% of U.S. mothers with children younger than 18 at home are employed full time.
The modern-day woman is still living with an age-old concept. That which is based on the belief that women belong in the kitchen and raising babies while the men are the breadwinners. Except in today’s world, it often takes two paychecks just to live an average lifestyle. Women not only can use the power of motherhood to further their careers in their chosen industries, but they can also use it to change the current working environment that Mothers deal with.
The Working Mother Environment
The environment that the working mother is subjected to is not one of their own making. It is one that the working world has created by what their perception of the working mother is. It is automatically assumed that the mother that is transitioning back into her work environment is not in a position to be an asset to a company.
No Such Thing As Flexibility
In general, there is no thought given to allowing for flexibility for the working Mom. There is no desire for making adjustments to accommodate her new role even if it would have no impact on the company itself, or even if it might be a betterment for the company.
Moms Are Caregivers
Not too many would argue that Mothers, by nature, are caregivers. The skills for this come partly from their maternal instincts as well as skills they have developed during their own experiences in the world. As babies go through their growing stages, the care that Mothers have to provide changes.
What Does Leadership and Motherhood Have In Common?
Women in management can clearly identify what they have learned from being a Mother that has helped them be successful in their leadership roles. Some examples are:
When to Stay Involved and When To Stand Aside
Mothers have to know when to push their kids to achieve certain goals in their lives. They also need to know when to stand back and let the kids take on the responsibilities that they are capable of. For example, a Mom may have to push to get their kids out of bed on time on a school day. But they are the ones that are responsible for dressing appropriately and making sure their backpack has everything they need for the day.
The leader in a company has to know when their employees need direction and also know when to stand back and let them complete what is expected of them. Employees have to reach a point where they can think on their own make decisions, and yet their leader has to be there in the event they are going in the wrong direction.
Flexibility
Motherhood requires flexibility. When one thing does not work with a child, then it means changing to plan B.
A leader has to be able to be flexible in the workplace. If a concept is not working well, then changes have to be made, and the leader has to be able to accept this without being set in their ways.
Balancing Personalization With Professionalism
Mothers of more than one child soon learn that each of their children has distinct personalities. As such, they have different ways of handling their kids.
This same concept applies to the leader of a company and the employees they are responsible for. Each worker is different, and the leader has to recognize their personality. Being able to do this allows the leader to use different approaches with each employee to reach the same goals.
- Additional commonalities between the Motherhood role and the leadership role are:
- Being prepared for the unknown
- Resolving conflicts
- Recognizing that workers have a life besides the work environment.
- Empathy
- Balance
- Prioritizing
- Time Management
When looking at the skills set of a Mother the similarities between these and the requirements for leadership are parallel.
Being Penalized For Being A Mother
First-time mothers who return to the workforce are often shocked when they realize they are being penalized for their new role in life. The penalties include:
- A cut in pay while their male counterparts receive an increase in pay
- No consideration for many meaningful job positions
The bottom line is Mothers in the workforce are discriminated against.
