10 LESSONS
Lessons for Tomorrow's Women By Pam O’Connor
After nearly 30 years as a CEO, I’m often asked for advice by younger women in the early or middle stages of their careers. While I would love to say I got here through my extraordinary vision and sense of purpose, the reality is that it was more due to natural instincts when presented with forks in the road.
My coming of age happened at a different time, when roles were shifting for women and most of us fell into one of two camps, either the Gloria Steinem, NOW-model women with a grievance and take-no-prisoners mentality, or those–like me– who instinctively, if unconsciously, were of the Meghan Kelly school of thought: “Keep your head down, but do such a good job that they can’t ignore you.” In my early 20s, a good friend and I were examples of the contrasting approaches. Ruth Ann and I were secretaries in two different departments of WSB Television in Atlanta, our first jobs after college, because in those days in the mid-70s, those were the jobs available to most young female college graduates. Ruth Ann’s advances came through a deliberate, aggressive strategy that said, “You will not ignore me,” while I reacted to opportunities and fortunately made some good intuitive choices, but never with the intent of being a CEO. Both approaches worked, and that is part of my message. Each person is unique, so do what works for you. There is more than one “right” formula. What does this signify aspiring women executives? Let me try to translate my story into the lessons I’ve learned along the way that I believe may serve anyone well, regardless of the path you choose.
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Know what you don’t know. Realize that as smart as you may be, the potential to learn is always greater. Make a point to spend time with smart people, and as you find yourself in the position to hire, surround yourself with people who have strengths you don’t have. Don’t succumb to believing your own press; retain a sense of humility.
Don’t worry about what you can’t control. Real estate is full of “Chicken Littles” singing a “sky is falling” theme. There is always a “lion coming over the hill,” whether it is dot-com competitors or disruptive business models or a new superstar agent. Focus on what YOU do and do it with a passion. Embrace your circumstances, whether it’s being an underdog or defending your position as number one.
Treat people the same, whether they can help you or not. Your boss may expect your respect, but the janitor or novice employee will appreciate you and become your cheerleader. When I asked how I was chosen to lead the new company in 1997 over people who were better qualified and better known, I was told, “Our relocation directors know you and said you were the one to do the job.”