Sun Tzu's Art of War for Women by Catherine Huang

Author:Catherine Huang
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Take Initiatives

Initiatives are voluntary risks; innovations are things done differently.

Initiatives

Since men enjoy a reputation for taking risks, initiatives are less expected of a woman. So much the better, as this may enable you to stand above the crowd. Note, however, that the risks you initiate will be scrutinized and second-guessed to a greater degree than those of your male counterparts. So choose them carefully, in accordance with the style you have adopted and your probability of success.

This probability we keep mentioning is not a question of precise percentages like those established by gambling casinos. You’ve got to rely on your analysis of the scope, requirements, available resources, time frame, and support behind any endeavor, plus the value of succeeding. We’re talking about risk vs. reward: after all, there is no more reason to initiate a heavy task that will not be appreciated than to fight against heavy odds. Clearly, pouring water into a dark hole is no more rewarding than attempting to force it uphill.

Example:

If you intend to approach a task in an entirely different manner than may be expected, explain (in writing and verbally) the manner and reason for your innovation. If you cannot justify it or gain support, reevaluate your plan.

Innovations

There’s plenty new under the sun: aren’t you unique?

Innovation can be a brand-new approach to getting something done, or applying a known technique to a novel use. When an innovation works, glory to the innovator. If not, you’ve hopefully learned something worthwhile during the process that will make the next attempt more reachable.

Doing things differently is, by definition, a departure from the norm. Since most people are routine-oriented, they tend to resist any change that nudges them outside their comfort zone. Such is the nature of resistance you can expect when you attempt to innovate: the greater the innovation, the stronger the resistance. Multiply this by the gender factor, as many men strongly oppose re-direction by women, and you have identified the bulk of opposition.

Let’s not overlook other potential factors, like colleagues or managers who have tried unsuccessfully to resolve the problem you’re confronting and may have a negative stake against being outshined by a woman. Of course, convincing one or two of them to collaborate and share a measure of the glory (if successful) is a tool in your creativity bag, if you’re so inclined.

Best of all are innovations borrowed from your past experience which seem suited to the present situation. No one, other than your boss, perhaps, needs to know that your innovation is essentially a retread. Unique or not, an effective innovation can be a career-enhancer for sure.

Innovation can also be applied to reducing opposition, as by co-opting major pockets of resistance in advance. One tactic we’ve already suggested is to invite participation in your approach. Another is to ask for suggestions and advice on minor aspects of the innovation. Then, by crediting certain individuals for their invaluable contributions, you may have neutralized their opposition, if not gained their support.

Clever you!

Synopsis

Take reasonable risks that offer commensurate gain.

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