Women in business can learn quite a lot from Mattie Ross, a fourteen year old girl who takes it upon herself to avenge her father's murder in the remade movie "True Grit".
First, Mattie teaches us the fine art of negotiation as she deals with one of the vendors and recoups cash for his inept handling of her father's ponies. She confidently points out how the law would see the situation and how bargaining directly with her and not the law is good business for the vendor. Once he acquiesces to her demands Mattie continues her dickering until she is able to secure one of the horses for herself at less money than she has just sold it. The beauty of the transaction is expressed by the vendor as he realizes that he has not only been outmatched and outwitted in the negotiation but that this self confident young woman has convinced him that the outcome is also in his best interest.
Yes, Mattie shows us how through step by step bargaining she can get what she wants and provide a win-win for her opponent.
Second, Mattie shows us how to conquer our fears by believing unconditionally about the importance of what we want to accomplish. Once she convinces Rooster Cogburn that he is the right bounty hunter for the job, she goes on to prove to him that she has what it takes to participate in the capture through action not words.
Too often, as women in business, we believe that we can convince others that we can do the work by talking incessantly about the project. The fear of either losing control by demonstrating our talent or showing inadequacies holds us back from taking action.
The truth is that if we completely believe in our ability to do the job better than anyone else we need to be active not passive. Fear holds too many women, and many men, back from being the success that they are meant to be.
Women in business can learn a lot from Mattie Ross as it takes true grit to start, build and grow a business.
As we transition into 2011, promise yourself you will believe more in yourself and your ability to be the best at your business. Promise you will take action whenever necessary and negotiate with true grit.
Happy New Year.