As women’s month celebrations wind down, we got close and personal with the amazing all-female Company Secretariat (COSEC)

In an all-female team, nurturing and empathy play a crucial role in shaping a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

This approach doesn’t compromise work quality; instead, it enhances collaboration, ensuring a work environment that balances professional and personal lives, ultimately leading to higher productivity.

By fostering an environment that values empathy, collaboration, and continuous growth, the NHFC COSEC team demonstrates how an all-female team can thrive and drive meaningful change in the business world.

We asked the team a few questions about women in the workplace:

How does being an all-female team shape your workplace culture? Our nurturing nature as women coupled with humility gives us an advantage and ability to positively influence culture in the workplace. Empathy and connection on a personal level allows us to have an appreciation, that besides being professionals, we each are also responsible for our families. Without compromising the quality of work, we collaborate and ensure a supportive work environment, enhanced team cohesion, a healthy balance between work and family, which result in improved productivity.

In what ways does the company support the professional growth of women in leadership roles?

Provide Mentorship and Training Programs: Mentorship and training programmes offer excellent opportunities for women with great potential to upskill and become top performers in the workplace. A supportive mentor can play a pivotal role in helping women thrive and build successful careers. Concurrently, training programmes can be invaluable in closing the skills gap and keeping women updated with the latest industry knowledge. Therefore, by investing in mentorship and training, the NHFC empowers women to unlock their full potential and contribute significantly to their professional growth and overall success in their roles as leaders or aspiring leaders.

Offer Strengths-Based Professional Development Plans: The Company is offering actionable, strengths-based professional development plans for women leaders. These plans include 360-degree feedback that specifically highlight their strengths and opportunities to grow in leadership effectiveness.

Provide Equal Opportunities: Regardless of how diverse a workplace is, women still face various obstacles, such as unconscious bias, stereotyping, and pay inequalities. Furthermore, they often encounter fewer opportunities to work on projects and apply for promotions. NHFC is an equal opportunities company where women are provided with fair opportunities to learn and lead, in critical positions. This is evidenced by the number of women in leadership roles, executive management, the CEO, and the board of directors.

“By investing in mentorship and training, the NHFC empowers women to unlock their full potential and contribute significantly to their professional growth and overall success in their roles as leaders or aspiring leaders.”

What challenges are unique to operating as an all-female team

A “you versus me” attitude discourages the team from supporting each other, which may hinder collective progress and success.

Unwillingness to have conversations that are candid about the barriers that divide, and work together to find solutions that benefit the team.

And how do you overcome them?

Fostering an inclusive work culture:  As a woman in a leadership role, I am a champion of inclusive work culture. I recognize the importance of diversity, not only in terms of gender but also in race, ethnicity, age, and background. By promoting inclusivity in the workplace, I create an environment where the team feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach its full potential. Such inclusive cultures lead to higher employee morale, reduced turnover, and improved productivity, all of which contribute to sustainability.

Mentorship and talent development: I am a dedicated mentor who actively supports the growth and development of emerging talent. My commitment to mentorship helps identify and nurture future leaders within the organisation. By providing guidance, opportunities, and feedback, I contribute to a sustainable talent pipeline, ensuring the continuity of excellence within the NHFC.

Collaboration and team building: Collaboration is a hallmark of effective leadership, and as a woman leader I excel in fostering teamwork and cooperation. I emphasise communication, empathy, and relationship-building, which are critical for building a cohesive and high-performing team. Strong, collaborative team is better equipped to adapt to change, solve complex problems, and drive innovation, all of which are essential for sustainable business growth.

How do you see the role of women in business evolving?

The role of women in business is constantly evolving. In the past, women were largely excluded from business. However, as more and more women enter the workforce, they begin to play more significant roles in businesses of all sizes. In recent years we have seen more women taking leadership roles in the business world. There are many reasons to this shift but one of the notables is the increasing number of women obtaining qualifications in business and other fields that were previously male dominated. As more women enter the workforce with skills and qualifications to take on leadership roles, we can expect to see even more women in top positions in the coming years.

What opportunities do you believe an all-female team offers that might be different from a more mixed-gender workplace?Having an all-female team helps to improve team processes and boost group collaboration. Researchers have found that women have stronger skills when it comes to reading non-verbal cues. They also found that groups with majority women, were better at taking turns in conversation, helping make the most of the group’s combined knowledge and skills.

What advice would you give to women aspiring to leadership roles?Be yourself;Have a clear set of personal values, goals, and changes you wish to make;Do not follow people but rather follow your dreams and believe in the positive changes you want to make;Remember that the decisions you make impact other people’s lives; andBe confident and self-motivated – this is crucial.

What is the most important piece of advice you would give to young women entering the workforce?

Have clear goals in mind: Whether it is a project that you are working on, your professional development or a new job opportunity – always have clear goals in mind, this will help you to stay focused and enable those around you to help you along the way.

This does not mean that your goals must represent huge milestones or long-term ambitions. Simply breaking down what you want to achieve over the next year or two, into manageable targets, can help give you and others enough clarity to help you progress.

Be vocal: Part and parcel of having clear goals is having confidence when communicating them. Be vocal about what you want to do and why – it makes it easier for people to support you. Make your opinion heard. If you are unable to speak up at work, then you run the risk of being invisible and ignored. Though it can be uncomfortable, be assertive but not arrogant! You can start small with people you trust, raising only the issues you care most about. By becoming more assertive over time, you will build up the necessary confidence to manage and lead others.

Stay positive: Strive to be the person who people want to work with. Avoid complaining – it is toxic for the office culture and your reputation. Instead, stay positive and optimistic so that others enjoy working with you and are willing to help you when challenges arise. You will also have more energy and motivation to do a better job. Start conversations, spend time getting to know people, and be approachable so that others feel comfortable talking to you. Whilst it is important to have your own goals and agenda, try to find time to support your colleagues and lend help where it is needed most. Being helpful does not go unnoticed and will also help you develop confidence and leadership skills.

Gain trust: To build trust, your colleagues, need to know that you can deliver your work and take initiative The more trust you gain, the more risks you can take, which often means taking on bigger projects where you can punch above your weight and have more fun (if you like a challenge!). And you will likely be awarded greater responsibility, or perhaps your next promotion.

Take control of your own career path: It is up to you to shape your own career. Never be complacent or expect anyone to tell you where your career should take you. By taking responsibility for your own development, you can succeed and build a rewarding career. Never stop learning.

Can you share a story about a woman who has made a significant impact on your career?

My former leader Advocate Audrey Gwangwa, Registrar of Deeds Rural Development and Land Reform in Pretoria; is my inspiration. She showed dedication and commitment to her work and her personal values. She inspired and provided me with the courage to break barriers. There is a lot to mention about the events that hold my most fond memories, but I just want to assemble my crux with the conclusion that she is an amazing person.

Published: 27/08/2024