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Women Gain Power Through Intellectual Innovation

One of the most important and frequent commentaries from professional women is the issue of success-building in what is still considered a man's world. "How do I effectively compete?" is the question du jour in virtually every circle of achievement-focused business women. The answer to this question is developing what I call "cerebral empowerment."

Professional observation and experience have proven repeatedly that a keen intellect carries more clout than a mastery of skills. Though they might not always admit it, professional men respect and admire a woman with brains. Beauty is certainly a coveted attribute, but it will only get you so far in business. Serious professionals are in the game to win and, in order to win, they need brain power on their team. Gender aside, the people who demonstrate intellectual innovation are the ones who will excel to the top.

One caveat: Developing your intellectual acumen requires time and commitment. You're not just embarking on another course of rote learning so that you can spew facts like an encyclopedia; what you're doing in this process is training your brain to think differently. That is the nature of cerebral empower-ment.

While the question of neurogenesis remains a debated topic, according to neurobiologist Fred Gage at the Salk Institute, even as adults brain cells continue to grow in the hippocampus, the region in the brain critical to learning and memory. Just as physical exercise keeps the body in shape, mental exercise keeps the mind fit and functioning at peak performance. For every woman in business, a brilliant mind is a priceless commodity.

If you'd like to increase your intellectual prowess and enhance your personal power, here are just a few ideas to help you start the process:

1) Build your lexicon. A powerful and extensive vocabulary carries a lot of clout. I simply do not buy into the notion that using "big words" is intimidating or pretentious. Having the ability to select the perfect word at the right time in the correct context is both powerful and impressive. Our society is sadly lax in making full use of the amazing language of English. Dare to be a linguistic rebel and explore the full range of words available to you. Several free web sites exist that send a "word of the day". Visit www.dictionary.com or merriam-webster. com to access these services.

2) Become involved with a think tank. Volunteer or ask to be involved in a research project at one of the many think tanks both locally and across the country. A simple Google® search listed over 76 think tanks in the US alone, addressing every major business, political, public policy, cultural, spiritual and current affairs issue. Some think tanks offer publications and educational programs to the public. These services provide a significant value because typically the information being disseminated is based on cutting edge research and findings. In today's business climate where what was new yesterday is now obsolete, access to think tank data can be a powerful professional tool. The following web site provides a list of think tanks worldwide: http://www.nira.go.jp/ice/nwdtt/.

3) Pursue additional degrees and/or certifications. Advances in the delivery of adult education have made it easy for just about anyone to earn most any type of college degree or credential online, including a PhD. Additional education is always beneficial, no matter what courses you take or degree you pursue. In fact, if you're contemplating a return to school, you might want to consider exploring a completely different course of study. For example, if your undergraduate degree is in business, you might certainly entertain the idea of going back to obtain your MBA. However, if you've always had a passion for design, you might also consider obtaining a second degree in fine art. Think about how this creative education could benefit you in business. You would develop a keen eye for details, enhance your creativity and visualization skills, hone your acuity for shape, line, color and form, increase your capacity for "big picture" thinking and learn to fully express yourself. Do you see the value of this education in business? No matter what type of program you decide to embark upon, ensure that the institution is fully accredited. The following web sites will help you locate accredited traditional and online programs: www.worldwidelearn. com, www.accrediteddldegrees.com, www.school guideusa.com/online-accredited-degree-programs. html.

4) Start or join a book club. Book clubs are one of the most effective ways of expanding your mind. As an added bonus, they are also a great way to build your personal and professional network. If you're seeking a book club to join, find out what types of books the group focuses on and who the members are. Literary societies are another smart option, but may be pricey to join. However, these groups often have access to the authors and those contacts may be beneficial to you professionally. Should you opt to start your own book club, invite a diverse group of people whose opinions and backgrounds are different from your own. Then have the group select a variety of books that are challenging, out of the mainstream, and provide a springboard for lively and intellectually stimulating discussion.

5) Become knowledgeable about obscure topics. Whether you become learned in value nets, crystallized intelligence, nucleosynthesis, Ludovico degli Arrighi, Biedermeier, Brain Gym® or Kaizen®, people will be fascinated by the depth and scope of your thinking. More importantly, the study, interpretation and analysis of unfamiliar topics such as these will enable you to process business issues from a fresh, "whole brain" perspective. Once you've become conversant in a particular subject, share your intellect and put your newfound knowledge to the test. Interject ideas and principles into business conversations at networking events and committee meetings. You'll quickly see just how powerful your brain power can be.

6) Expand your creativity. Creativity is the ability or power to create; it is also an acutely imaginative process. When was the last time you used your imagination to create something unique? Many women find it difficult to give themselves permission to languish in the creative process; however, engaging in creative endeavors is one of the most stimulating, freeing and beneficial exercises we can give our minds. Perhaps you've been secretly longing to open your kids' can of Playdo®, or maybe there's a watercolor class you've been meaning to take. Creativity can be explored in myriad ways, from poetry, scriptwriting or storytelling to sketching, graphic design or pottery. The important thing is to use your imagination to create something from nothing. Sounds a little like starting a business, doesn't it?

7) Travel. Exposure to new locales, geography, people and cultures stimulates the senses, broadens our belief system and provides invaluable learning opportunities. People who are "well traveled" are considered wordly, sophisti-cated and intelligent. There's a reason for this: Departing familiar ground for unknown territory - whether it be Monte Carlo or Montana - brings a breadth of experience that cannot be duplicated by any other means.

8) Learn a foreign language. In a study by Samuels and Griffore, students who participated in a French immersion program showed significant gains in measures of performance I.Q. Additionally, these students were better able to interpret and organize various series of seemingly unrelated objects. Not only are multilingual professionals in high demand, the process of learning a foreign language will teach you to think on a higher level. Because a language such as French is so different from English, it becomes necessary for the brain to adapt and begin thinking in French - not just the vocabulary, but the concepts and nuances of the language as well. If you consider the vast array of concepts and nuances in business, mastering the cognitive ability to think in another language can be a potent asset in terms of leadership, problem-solving and strategic planning.

9) Start a business. Every woman should have a business she can call her own. Whether it be a corporate conglomerate or a simple meal delivery service, there is inherent power in being an entrepreneur (even if it's only on the weekend). Aside from the tax benefits, conceptualizing, starting, managing, oper-ating and marketing a business offers life experience that cannot be obtained in business school. If you've been watching "The Apprentice", you've seen that even running a lemonade stand offers profound opportunities for intellectual development.

The bottom line is that intelligence, cognitive acuity and brain power are women's best lethal weapons in business. Expanding and stimulating your mind will give you the best strategic advantage for reaching the pinnacle of your success.

Debra Davenport, PhD, is a Master Professional Mentor and the president of DavenportFolio, a licensed firm with offices in Los Angeles and Phoenix that mentors entrepreneurs and professionals. She is the creator of the Certified Professional Mentor® designation and certification program and the author of The Ten Commitments of Highly Successful People. debra@davenportfolio.com or (866) 232-6492.

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