The Tribune

By MICHELLE MILLER

IN AN environment where women dominate the workplace – leading corporate entities, governmental and non-governmental organisations – and play leading roles in radio and television reality programmes, I pose the question of what do women want and why?

It’s agreed that every woman may want different things at different times, for different reasons. However, deep down, there is one fundamental desire across the board for many, and that’s a sense of security which supports her well-being and that of her children. For the most part this well-being speaks to financial security.

Whilst financial security has remained a major aspect of women’s daily pursuit, some say that women also want ‘real’ love, honesty, respect, commitment and even personal success.

The question is whether women actually bring these qualities to the table. Look at yourself; are you giving what you seek to receive – the ‘real’ love, commitment, respect etc? Essentially, we get what we give more than we’d like to think.

But as we celebrate International National Women’s Week, the point of this article is to explore not only what women want but to unravel the reason behind the wanting.

It’s not what you want, but always why you want it that matters most. Clarifying your why helps you identify your intention and real reason for driving forward.

So let’s take the issue of women’s desire and pursuit of financial security or even wealth, which has become a popular topic of discussion for many women.

What do women want from wealth?

Some may say it doesn’t matter what they want from wealth and that it is their personal prerogative to pursue wealth if they so desire. After all, nobody questions why a man wants to acquire wealth. And maybe this is true, but that doesn’t negate the question or why.

As the nurturers of society, how does a woman’s financial security change the society or the world?

In many regards, I suspect that many women don’t have personal reasons why they want wealth beyond for the basic supply of food and shelter, one or two shopping sprees, and a few other by-products.

Is it then merely about the emotions of feeling secure or is it the opportunity to acquire more expensive things? It seems that financial security and a lavish lifestyle have become synonymous.

Yes, it is true that whatever women want, it takes money to make it happen.

However, I have another thought, what if financial security had more meaning beyond the accumulation of things? What if security began within?

What if it empowered us to show up with more confidence, deeper self-worth, stronger and more effective?

Imagine what your life would be like if your financial improvement strengthened the capacity of others to become their best selves; to thrive and be more confident.

The true question here is, how do more financially secure women influence the social fabric of our society? Take a look around, we’re losing our men and boys as a norm. This is the result of what we, as women have collectively produced or failed to produce in our society.

So now that we are here, what do we want and why do we want it?

Leader to leader, make today the day that you reevaluate what you want and your reason for your pursuits. Make today the day that you ensure that your pursuits serve to improved social outcome. Living the life that you love gets a lot easier when you have a peaceful society in which to live.

• What do you think?

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 429-6770 or by snail mail to PO Box CB-13060; you can also visit www.taketheleadbook.com.

Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, leadership expert and host of the radio programme “Men & The e-Factor”.