What does it take for females to lead?

As a female sports agent, I get the standard question two ways:

“How much more difficult is it for you being a sports agent as a women verses a man?”

Or the more half full minded folks ask it this way:

“Is that an advantage for you being a women? Being different than the others?”

As a female sports agent, representing mostly men in the most popular male team sports (ie MLB, PGA, NCAA Coaches) I have grown up professionally in a world surrounded by men – whether they were my clients, employees or my competition. 

What does it take for females to lead?  To win the top jobs?  How do we raise the recently published minuet 3% female CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies?

Do you have to be ruthless?
Do you have to be sexy?
Do you have to act like a man?

No, no and no.

Women have to be authentic, be passionate about why you do what you do and be committed to being in The Business of Being the Best (same title as my latest book).

I have summed up the things that I think are imperative to grow into a successful female leader.

You must have passionate integrity. In other words, in a competitive business environment, passion and integrity must live within you consistently to win. 

You must have fearless focus.  Don’t be aren’t afraid of what might not go right; you must expect to win.  Part of this is being a determined listener.  Listen more then you talk.  Ask questions that provide the kind of data you need to support others and learn about other ways to be an expert.  Handle yourself in a friendly, yet professional manner – always. 

Consistent discipline is paramount to proving you can lead others.  We must set the stage for the entire team and the customers as it relates to discipline and ability to sustain it day in and day out.   To success as a female, I believe you must have creative drive as a key ingredient.  Have 360 degree awareness around the things that need to happen for them to go to the next level.  Creativity helps you differentiate yourself from the pack.

The best influence others in a positive, consistent and substantial way – I call this humble and consistent energy.  They are intentional about where they put their energy and who gets their energy.  The bi product of this is a team that respects your focus on time and energy and provides a healthy respect for their time with you.

The best women expect to execute.  In other words, all the above are paramount, but if you don’t role those up into executing, you won’t win.

What role do men play in this? I believe that is like asking the Republican party: what role do the Democrats have in a republican earning the role of President of The United States?  An extreme example, so forgive me as I am not implying men and women are this divided but rather just different breads.  Isn’t it about being the best, being a leader, about the things discussed above.  In other words, be good, no rather be great.  Be better then the others.  Don’t wasn’t energy groveling over the “competition” . 

My ask to society, support the best candidate to lead your company.  My ask to women, support other smart and committed female leaders, in both our words and in our actions.  More specifically, support each other through transparent and positively impactful behavior.

We all need to own this.