Women should recognise their strengths and use them to develop awareness of critical elements of emotional intelligence that will enable them to enhance their effectiveness and influence as leaders.

AfrAsia Kingdom group chief executive Zimbabwe Mrs Lynn Mukonoweshuro said this at the Success in Stilettos Seminar Series that was held in Harare yesterday.

Success in Stilettos (SiS) Seminars is targeted at women in corporate leadership as well as businesswomen with the aim of providing them with a platform for capacity development, networking and mentorship opportunities.

Mrs Mukonoweshuro noted that only 17 percent of women utilise their strengths in the workplace because women often go in with a preconceived idea of what they can or cannot do.

She said although it is one thing to seek counsel from someone, women should also look into themselves and make a decision on what they think is good for them.

"In order to maximise your impact as a leader, your personal vision is key.

"You have to gain clarity of your personal vision of success and harmonise with key concepts."

"Women should not make a compromise about their vision. Define it and know it, but do not make any compromise on that vision," she said.

Mrs Mukonoweshuro noted that people come from different backgrounds and cultures therefore leaders always have to consider these differences.

"Multi-cultural background intelligence is about creating the right environment. It's about empowerment, sharing power and joining power with folks of varied backgrounds," she added.

She also said women leaders should act to benefit others and make a contribution to their welfare.

Speaking at the same event, Boka Tobacco Floors chief executive Ms Rudo Boka said the working environment is now better for women as there are no more restrictions for women except their mindsets.

She noted that there are more opportunities now for women than for men and they should take advantage of their natural abilities to lead and nurture.

"My corporate fights to rescue the Boka empire had little to do with gender, even my brothers were experiencing the same challenges," she said.

She added that women should stop crying and deal with the challenges they face head on.

Ms Boka also urged women to discover their passion and believe in themselves, as it would enhance their performance as leaders.

She noted that children should be taught early in life about business ethics so that they will not struggle to adapt when they finally venture into the workplace.