Although it’s not always easy to acknowledge, being a successful woman in the job has different obstacles (and rewards) than being a guy. While I don’t claim to be an expert, I might be able to throw some light on the subject or know someone who can if you have a question regarding overcoming the professional roadblocks that we have all encountered at some point but are only sometimes comfortable discussing. The query for this week comes from a prospective founder who will soon become a first-time mother as well.
Oh, motherhood: a place where endless love and lack of sleep meet and existential queries like “Can I eat cereal every day?” arise. When you combine that with the thrilling ride that is entrepreneurship, things become interesting.
The Early Struggle
Every morning, I have to confront the biggest obstacle. Should I deal with the meeting with my little tyrants first, the one who can’t stop eating his shoes and the other who needs to perform a runway performance and numerous ballerina turns before she goes, or should I deal with the meeting with the grownups first, who thankfully can handle their shoe and runway situation? The bright side is that I’ve gained business negotiation abilities from perfecting the art of choosing conflicts that aren’t taught in business schools.
Self-care is not evil.
Everyone has heard it, but it took me some time to process it. After my fourth tea one day, I realised I was almost out of oxygen. It was not a luxury to give myself some relaxation; it was essential to refuel. I now have “spa time” every day for approximately thirty minutes. Even though it’s only a five-minute face mask while I sit in the tub, it counts because it’s time I get to spend alone—without my spouse and children.
Time Management
There was a moment when I thought I could “do it all.” That was before I tried to complete a presentation and make cookies for our daughter at the same time. Attention! There is no way to combine PowerPoint with cookie dough. My last hope? Setting aside and making lists. Oh, understand that occasionally, ordering takeout or cereal for supper is fine. My favourite restaurant is La Trompette; my husband likes wings. Is it strange that on Sundays you always want La Trompette?
The Helping Squad
Nobody warns you that being a mother might occasionally feel like membership in an exclusive club. You glance at other mothers at the store with knowing eyes while your children try to do that “I want meltdown” approach. The realm of entrepreneurship is no exception. To provide a lifeline, I’ll be establishing connections with other mompreneurs. Perhaps we could travel together, exchange ideas, and occasionally email each other memes that encapsulate the life of a mom-entrepreneur.
I acknowledge it: delegation is the new D-word. My obsession is control. However, I have discovered the hard way that I am not able to do everything. Delegating indicates that you are competent enough to concentrate on what counts, not that you are failing. I have thus delegated business tasks to others but at home? Now just imagine that my husband is the official “laundry man” and my toddler is the official “sock sorter.”
Seeking the Humorous
All you can do at times is laugh. similar to the time I unintentionally sent a client an email with the subject line “Love you, have a great day.” My binder’s back was covered in stickers, and I went to a formal meeting. The journey becomes even more unforgettable when one chooses to embrace these times and find humour in them.
I salute all of the mompreneurs out there. Motherhood and work demand multitasking at levels that would confuse the uninformed.
How Being a Mom Can Make You a Better Entrepreneur
Time Appears Too Valuable to Be Spent
“I work extremely fast when I’m not on duty with my son because I’m pushed for time. It seems extravagant to waste time. Additionally, I believe that mothers are naturally good at multitasking, which also translates to their ability to take on extra work. Being a parent also requires creative problem-solving skills and excellent business talent.
You must learn to feel at ease with your own opinions.
“Moms live in the Wild West, but most individuals are used to working in organised environments, which makes starting a business intimidating. There aren’t any absolute “right” responses. You start receiving five unique, mostly unwanted opinions on everything the day you know you are pregnant.
You have no choice but to learn to feel confident in your judgement. Whatever the experience level, mom entrepreneurs become competent and self-assured decision-makers in the learning process.
Mothers are the Strongest people on Earth.
“Mothers are the most skilled bargainers. They are the strongest people in the world, empathetic, and respectful of others’ time and abilities. Show me one mother whose life hasn’t been changed by having to spend the first night awake with a feverish baby or navigating the hurt feelings her child brings home from the playground. In short, mothers are liars; they’re also the most consoling allies in the world.
The Growth of the Tenacity Muscle
I’ve learned to cut through nonsense since becoming a mother. Time is more valuable than ever, so we’ve learned to quickly decide if something is important, and if not, we let it go. Being a mother also gives you a sense of selflessness. I believe that this improves our leadership. Our staff is listened to, and we collaborate to achieve our shared objective. We like to think that helps to keep our crew motivated and involved. The muscle of tenacity finally grows. You will make every minute at work worthwhile because you understand that every minute spent at work is time spent away from your family.
As a business owner, writer, and mother of three, I’m proud of having taught my children the value of morality and decision-making, especially my two older boys, who are growing increasingly self-reliant. As a CEO, the same concept holds. Without forcing solutions down their throats, you want to empower the individuals you deal with to make the best decisions for the business. You want to teach your staff to make the best judgments for the organisation, just as you would advise your children to make moral decisions through life.
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