In the entrepreneurial world, women who set audacious goals for themselves, frankly asserting their thirst for success, face a shield of prejudice. More surprising: it is by their peers that they are judged more harshly according to Think Thank “Women and Ambition”, and other studies interested in the question. What is the name of this schizophrenia? Interview with Donia Abidat, expert in business coaching and women’s leadership who uses psychometric tools. Ambition comes at a cost for women for a variety of reasons.
You meet a lot of entrepreneurs and decision-makers as part of your coaching activities and within the Rotary Club. Do you notice a marked difference between men and women regarding their relationship to ambition?
Donia Abidat: I see that the difference between men and women lies in the way they express their ambition rather than in its intrinsic intensity. It may seem that women’s ambition is less noticeable than that of men, but this does not necessarily reflect weakness on their part. Women often express their ambition in a more subtle way, avoiding the desire to impose and favoring the construction of reasoned debates. Their ambition manifests itself through different motivation, courage, consideration, and a need for novelty. As a certified coach, I use psychometric tools in a systemic human approach whose objective is to establish balance, promote performance, and encourage fulfillment and health.
When a woman has a lower apparent ambition and experiences difficulty expressing it, a systemic analysis of her personality sheds light on the adjustments necessary to support her in expressing this ambition. I emphasize that it is crucial not to confuse ambition with other personality traits, such as influential, leadership, emotional and organizational, because women can manifest these qualities in distinct ways.
Does ambition always have a “cost” for women? Particularly in the perception that others have of her?
When it comes to women, how they express their ambition is of crucial importance, often with a potential social cost. Navigating the roles of mother, wife, entrepreneur and everyday woman requires exceptional versatility, forcing them to skillfully juggle various fronts. It is undeniable that the expression of ambition by a woman can arouse scrutiny, sometimes tinged with a negative perception, particularly within the female community itself. It is regrettable to note that sometimes, jealousy between women can manifest itself more intensely towards an ambitious colleague. However, it is imperative to emphasize that this dynamic should not be seen as inherent to feminine nature, but rather the result of broader societal pressures.
Society tends to impose sometimes restrictive standards, evaluating women according to traditional roles, thus compromising their professional ambitions. Ambitious women are sometimes forced to juggle conflicting expectations, faced with the difficulty of meeting social standards while pursuing their aspirations. The idea that ambition has a cost for women, particularly with regard to the perception of others, is often closely linked to the complex dynamics of egos at play. The war of egos, particularly prevalent in the professional context, can intensify the pressures and judgments that ambitious women face. When a woman displays remarkable ambition, she can unintentionally trigger defensive reactions, often fueled by fragile or threatened egos.
Negative perceptions can arise from fear of competition, insecurity, lack of confidence, fear, and/or questioning established norms. It is important to recognize that the war of egos can be exacerbated by persistent gender stereotypes. Many ambitious women are successfully overcoming these challenges, inspiring positive change and reshaping perceptions around female success.
The “Women and Ambition” Think Tank regularly questions women on the issue and, each time, they more legitimize ambition among men compared to their peers… This depreciation – when it comes to a counterpart – comes So these root causes?
Indeed, this depreciation when it concerns a colleague raises deep causes. It may arise from a view still anchored in persistent gender stereotypes, where female ambition may be misperceived or misinterpreted. It is essential to recognize these unconscious biases and promote a change in mindset, encouraging women to embrace their ambitions without fear or judgment, and to create an environment where everyone is evaluated on the basis of their skills and potential, regardless of their background. his genre. It is common for women to have self-esteem that needs to be strengthened (or repaired), which can put them at a disadvantage in terms of self-confidence, an essential element for asserting themselves in a project and, by extension, in their ambitions.
Donia Abidat: “ Thanks to advances in behavioral neuroscience and new systemic psychometrics, we are now able to measure and analyze the 23 personality traits that make up all forms of leadership, of which ambition is an integral part. “
The real issue seems to lie in the need to adopt an objective approach when it comes to soft skills and personality building. The ideal would be for women to benefit from support aimed at developing leadership that is harmonious with their essence and their nature, rather than constantly measuring themselves against a male model and comparing themselves to their counterpart. Thanks to advances in behavioral neuroscience and new systemic psychometrics, we are now able to measure and analyze the 23 personality traits that make up all forms of leadership, of which ambition is an integral part. These tools make it possible to support these women in revealing what they really are and therefore take their rightful place in asserting their ambition.
How can we encourage women to express their ambitions?
It is undeniable that women today have the ability to take on multiple roles simultaneously, whether as a businesswoman, mother, wife, and much more. This versatility demonstrates the diversity and strength of women in contemporary society. However, whether they should break free from the quest to get everything at once requires careful consideration. A woman can aspire to be a successful businesswoman while also successfully fulfilling her role as a mother and wife. However, it is crucial to recognize that this quest often requires an investment in terms of effort and constant demonstration of legitimacy and solid skills and I would add mental strength.
Obtaining everything at the same time depends closely on one’s ambitions, personal objectives and professional projects. The reality is that this quest for “the whole” can sometimes mean a dispersion of energies, and achieving each goal may require compromise and sacrifice. It is essential for a woman to clearly define what “whole” means to her, taking into account her own values, priorities and aspirations. I wonder about the definition of “whole” in the context of a woman’s life. Does it mean balanced achievement in all areas, or does it encompass exceptional achievement in a specific area?
Perhaps the key lies in deep personal reflection to determine what is truly meaningful and rewarding for each woman, rather than conforming to a pre-established notion of “getting everything at once.”
