Positive matriarchs play a key part in helping organisations to achieve success. They often embody the core principles of the organisation and act as custodians of the culture.
Such matriarchs have high professional standards and act as good models. They are also savvy and know how to get positive results. People often like working for them, but also know what is and what is not accepted.
Looking back, can you think of a person who played such a role? What were the qualities they demonstrated? How did they translate these into action? How did other people respond to the matriarch?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
Many positive matriarchs demonstrate some of the following qualities. Let’s explore these themes.
They Are Positive And Professional
Such matriarchs are often warm and welcoming. They show an interest in people but also have a strong work ethic. They expect themselves and others to deliver good work on a daily basis.
They act as culture carriers. They demonstrate to people: “These are the principles we follow. These are the Dos and Don’ts. This is the way we do things around here.”
Such matriarchs take responsibility. They have a positive ‘Can Do’ attitude which they may have chosen to take even before embarking on their career.
They have since added many professional skills. During their early career they often did good work by working through lists. They then added strategic skills that enabled them to guide teams to achieving success.
They Are Respected By People
Positive matriarchs are respected by people because of their personality and professionalism. They also provide predictability that helps to maintain consistency in an organisation.
People recognise that the matriarch expects them to deliver high professional standards, so they don’t try to get away with poor work. Some may try to make excuses to begin with, but they soon decide to deliver the goods or move on.
Such matriarchs sometimes work with inspiring leaders. They know how to implement the leader’s strategies. At the same time, they know how to encourage the leader to make their best contribution to the organisation.
They often act as good models for young professionals who aspire to develop their careers. They may mentor people and pass on knowledge about how people can retain their sanity whilst also delivering success.
They Are Good At
Getting Positive Results
Such matriarchs have been around the block and are good at delivering positive results. They have had many different experiences in their personal and professional lives.
They may have worked with superb leaders, dysfunctional leaders and many in-between. They may have raised families, run refugee centres, coached sports teams, dealt with crises or led business teams.
Such matriarchs have many positive qualities. They are good with people but they also expect people to take responsibility. Most of all, they get things done.
They are often superb coordinators. They are good are making clear contracts with their key stakeholders. They clarify the real results to achieve and then orchestrate people’s strengths to deliver the goods.
Let’s return to your own work. Looking ahead, imagine that you lead an organisation. What may be the kind of situation where you may want to hire a positive matriarch?
What could be the benefits of bringing in such a person? How could you find such a person and then give them the support they need to do superb work?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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