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Morris Mpala, MoB Capital Ltd
JUST like when a company is undergoing that process during its life cycle you will need different competencies during each path of the respective stage of your trajectory.

In an economic meltdown, you need transformational leadership to come out of the doldrums in one piece and with the power to soldier on as you try to grow from there.

During this transformational leadership phase, it has come to our statistical attention that women are better placed to manage this period.

There is something about the DNA in women that is considerate, empathises and seeks compromise compared to their counterparts in the human race.

It is this inborn leadership trait that we want to tap into to make a better business community that strives for excellence.

We once argued about mothers being great financial managers for the home for a better financial well-being of the home, and we believe in times of economic difficulties mothers come to the party more than anyone else in the home, in industry and areas of guidance leadership across all echelons of responsibility and power.

We need to appreciate that we have been wired differently ever since Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden.

Emotional Intelligence
There is something to women’s intuition that balances this crucial managing attribute in trying times. Females do it much better than males. It is required in abundance in this modern day era of leadership.

Fair and Just
By and large, they exude an equality   demeanor and want what is best for everyone.

Equity and upholding value systems leads to a stable environment and women are on the forefront in championing this cause but, at times lack the platform to showcase it.

Empathy
The manner in which they empathise is needed during this era of marginalised pockets in societies.

We have vulnerable or disadvantaged members (women themselves included) that need careful consideration.

Each day these segments of the population increase and the level of inequality is getting bigger and bigger and who better to manage these than an empathetic individual.

Compromise
The right word is accommodative if we want to keep it real.

The ability to accommodate all persons from all walks of life without judging or making them feel unwanted with an idea to bring everyone to the part is critical.

We are of different backgrounds, agendas and different breeds and to bring about cohesion, we need to accommodate each other and no one does better than mothers especially.

The ability to accommodate all people from all walks of life and accord them the respect they deserve has been perfected by women in our universe.

Reasonable
In the number of times the fairer sex have exhibited a rational and reasonable approach when it comes to bigger decision making though on small issues they are found wanting .

It’s still debatable and evidence hasn’t been conclusive on that women do not make better leaders on small matters.

Selfless
Since time immemorial, women have had to worry more about others than themselves and this is crucial in this moment in time when corruption has ravaged the communities.

Patience is a virtue
The way in which they are patient in managing a lot of things comes handy.

Imagine the patience they exhibit at home and it being translated in the business area that is a winner there.

Strategic mindset
As derived from the home front, that mindset when carried to business and leadership position is a community builder.

Responsible and accountable
The vivid memory they possess makes them more accountable for their actions and have been handling responsible areas in leadership with a hawk’s eye.

Females have shown to be more willing to account for their actions.

Let’s ask women to be bold for change if they have to make a difference in greater numbers and influence a lot in the society.

To increase the numbers, there is need for peer to peer learning, mentorship, do away with fear of the unknown and they need to support each other and so on.

Above all, let them get into school, graduate and upgrade their competencies.

Level the playing field for the upcoming girl child to give them equal opportunities to come out of dire circumstances.

Be bold as nothing is given on a silver platter or falls like manna and they should lose that sense of entitlement.

Yes, affirmative is strategic but, soul searching is required to measure up as we try to avoid building another inequality challenge especially on the boy child who is presently being seriously marginalised .

Get the requisite skills, training and get involved given it has been a man’s world for too long.

Honour and celebrate women
We take this opportunity to celebrate and honour all Zimbabwean women both past and present that are making a difference against all odds from those young ladies struggling in Binga/Hwange areas to get an education to those in Harare/Bulawayo trying to make a difference in boardrooms.

The struggle is real, thus the need to celebrate them especially while they are still alive and offer inspiration to others that it can be done.

The difference between male and female leaders is chance that is the opportunity to exhibit leadership acumen, so let there be abundant chances to women in the world.

IF YOU LIVE IN BYO PLEASE CONSERVE WATER
IF YOU LIVE IN ZIMBABWE PLEASE USE ELECTRICITY SPARINGLY: SOS (SWITCH OFF SWITCHES)
IF YOU LIVE ON PLANET EARTH PLEASE PRESERVE THE ENVIRONMENT

Morris Mpala is the managing director of MoB Capital Limited, a Bulawayo headquartered micro-finance institution with footprint across the country.