Navigating through the
Corporate Worl d
Aisha obo Lead-In Lady
Strategic on boarding through
induction processes at many
organisations seems to suggest that
navigating through corporate life
can be a daunting process for
young professionals. Corporate
navigation, however, can prove to
be slightly more challenging for
young Muslim women as there is a
balancing act between maintaining
a personal Muslim identity and
integrating into the corporate
space. It is not an impossible
process and this is evidenced by
the thousands of Muslim women
who have become interwoven into
South Africa’s corporate fabric but
it is a process that needs to be
explored and discussed so as to
empower other young women.
Building a brand and maintaining a
strong level of authenticity are
long-standing notions. Authenticity
has been described as the
foundation for success as it
promotes active communication,
diversity, and it provides one with
an edge over those who seek to
conform to the norm.
Authenticity encapsulates
personality traits, a skills set,
attitude, and cultural make-up. It is
the decision of the individual to
galvanise the aforementioned to
create a positive experience in
engagements with clients,
colleagues, and leaders as that
experience will become a brand
associated with the individual.
Muslims have their own way of life
and the key traits governed by the
Quraan and the Sunnah can filter
into interactions which results in
positive experiences. For example,
managing one’s temper or
moodiness in aggravating
circumstances marks one positively
as a rational being which in turn
augments the chances of recognition
and promotion to leadership roles.
It is additionally critical for young
Muslim women to not fear deviation
from an assumed norm because
norms in themselves are subjective.
Most corporates are willing to
accommodate the varying needs of
employees but they can only do so if
the needs are communicated.