You may already have some of the personality characteristics associated with success in technology. If not, you may be able to develop some of them, or you may want to look for partners who have personality characteristics that complement yours. The following characteristics were identified by the author of a book on women founders in technology (Gascoigne, 2019):
- Unafraid/Doesn’t let fear get in the way
- Willing to discover answers rather than being stopped by lack of experience
- Quick-witted
- Resourceful
- Has a sense of urgency to get the job done
- Energetic
- Takes charge
- Flexible
- Resilient
- Tenacity
- Confident/Acts confident
- Thinks independently
- Able to decide the next step in the moment
- Willing to tackle problems
- Committed, hard worker
- Tolerant of discomfort
- Gets things done rather than waiting for a perfect completion
- Willing to take risks
- Able to multitask, juggle details
- Growth- and improvement-oriented
Sources: Gascoigne A. Tech Boss Lady: How to Start-up, Disrupt, and Thrive as a Female Founder. Seale Press, 2019.
Self-Check
Take our self-assessment survey to reflect on your skills and strengths compared to the above list of characteristics common in successful women in technology. Reflecting on your strengths can help you decide what you would like to develop and what you might look for in a partner to complement your skills.
Resource
At the Helm, Leading Your Laboratory – By Kathy Barker, second edition. ISBN-10: 0879698667. Includes real-life examples and discusses the wide range of management challenges and skills needed in by principal research investigators to recruit, motivate, and lead a research team; manage personnel and institutional responsibilities; and compete for funding—while still maintaining and advancing their success in science.
