Recently I was watching my granddaughter work diligently to prepare a doll picnic. I realized at that moment that there was something very different in how she prepared for this event then how my once 2 year-old son arranged his play. I was witnessing one of the natural instincts females have that, if used purposely, develop them into natural women in business.

Let me explain. First, she carefully lined up all her dolls, making sure each was comfortable leaning against a pillow. Larger dolls were given small chairs for their comfort factor. She then checked in her toddler-size, toy refrigerator for the food and drink she would need, and in her kitchen cabinet for the dishes needed for service. Everything was carefully loaded into a small, toy picnic basket and taken to the next room where she had already laid out a blanket. The picnic was ready and it was time to serve and conduct the event. With the ease of a strong, purposeful leader, she spoke with confidence to her guests and led a successful party.

First, let me explain my term 'business natural'. A 'business natural' is a person with an innate ability to be successful in business. For generations the word business conjured up the image of a tall, dark and handsome man in a perfectly tailored suit. Having the appropriate look, followed by the ability to garner attention with the spoken word, meant being serious and potentially successful in business. However, the visual stopped there and didn't consider what I believe is the most important quality a business person must master -- the ability to empathize.

Yes, females, for the most part, are natural empathizers. We could debate the reason and whether or not males don't have other qualities equally as important in business, but having raised a boy, and spending much time watching boys in action, I see tremendous differences in what must only be described as instinctual behavior. The small boys I witness are much too busy throwing things around, jumping in all directions and generally climbing over everything to worry about anyone's comfort or needs.

Of course, as a woman in business, I realize that both males and females mature over the years and learn behavior from modeling others and more. But, I believe that this early empathetic behavior is key to what too many women in business are not using to their best advantage.

As a business coach, I know that a key ingredient to success is to pay attention to employees, vendors, customers and prospects. Yes, people matter and that means it starts with caring about their comfort and needs. Successful salespeople will tell you that it is important to solve a problem, educate, and guide the customer through the process. Accomplished talent managers will tell you that developing a relationship and providing a hire the sense of purpose creates better workplaces.

Women in business must use their natural ability for compassion to create a happier workplace and stronger client retention. Sometimes success in business can be as simple as just being yourself.