Being a Living Role Model

U.S. Consul General Jennifer McIntyre on stage with fellow speakers at the CII Women’s Leadership Forum.

Speaking at the CII Women’s Leadership Forum in Chennai on November 10, 2011, U.S. Consul General Jennifer McIntyre shared her experiences as a leader and manager, noting that today’s businesswoman plays an important role in creating gender equality. “There is no substitute for empowering people than simply being a living role model,” she said.

Recounting how women in the workplace before her helped pave the way for her role as Consul General for South India, CG McIntyre added that she also had her family to thank. “Empowerment starts with the family and this is something we can all impact daily -- as mothers, aunts, sisters, daughters or grandmothers -- by how we mentor our youth and set our expectations for them,” she said.

Business owners and managers can also make a huge impact by the way they hire and set expectations for their employees, as well as by being more flexible and accommodating to attract a broader diversity of employees and treating all employees, male or female, equitably. More than that, “your visibility with your staff, your ability to effectively communicate your vision and expectations to your staff, and your openness to employee feedback will likely have more impact on a young, aspiring future leader than any training or other benefit you can provide,” CG McIntyre said. “Make no mistake, you all are role models – and can impact those you touch every day.”