On this Women’s Day, I reflect on a realization that has shaped both my personal and professional journey: Motherhood is one of the most powerful management training programs life has to offer.
I grew up in Lebanon, lived and worked in Lebanon, Paris and Dubai, earned multiple degrees, and built a career in management. Twenty-nine years ago, I welcomed my first child, followed by my second. While I had accumulated years of experience in leadership, it was through raising my children that I truly understood the essence of management. The skills I acquired as a mother proved invaluable in my business career, and came naturally, illustrating the deep parallels between these two roles.
The Intersection of Motherhood and Management
1. Planning
- In management, planning is essential for success—setting goals, defining strategies, and anticipating challenges.
- As a mother, I planned and guided my children to prepare for their future, teaching them the importance of setting objectives and working towards them.
2. Control
- Managers oversee operations, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Mothers, too, we apply continuous control over daily activities, schooling and balancing discipline with flexibility.
3. Delegation
- Effective leaders understand the power of delegation, entrusting tasks to their teams to build responsibility and efficiency.
- As a mother, I learned to delegate tasks to my children, teaching them responsibility and self-sufficiency.
4. Coaching
- Managers don’t just give orders; they coach their employees, providing guidance and support for professional growth.
- As a mother, I coached my children through challenges, helping them grow into independent and confident individuals.
5. Negotiation Skills
- Negotiation is a crucial business skill, ensuring win-win outcomes in discussions.
- Parenthood involves constant negotiations—bedtime extensions, screen time limits, and countless other discussions that teach children the art of compromise and communication.
6. Problem Solving & Decision Making
- In business , we tackle different types of problems, we make critical decisions that impact their organizations.
- Similarly, mothers address daily challenges, making tough decisions that shape their children’s future.
7. Managing Change for Growth
- Change is inevitable in business, and strong leaders guide their teams through transitions for organizational growth.
- As a mother, I had to manage change within the family—adapting to new schools, life stages, and evolving needs for the well-being of my children.
8. Leadership Development
- Managers develop leaders within their teams, empowering employees to take initiative.
- As a mother, my ultimate goal was to prepare my children to spread their wings, equipping them with the right skills to navigate life independently.
Final Reflections
Through my journey, I have come to realize:
- It is not about being a ‘mother’ to your employees, but about nurturing them through a productive and empowering process.
- It is not about being our children’s ‘managers,’ but about providing them with the right tools and guidance to grow in the right direction.
Now, did management taught me how to be a good mom or vice-versa? I can’t tell but certainly motherhood and management are deeply intertwined. Both require patience, resilience, and a long-term vision. As we celebrate Women’s Day, I hope my story inspires others to embrace the lessons found in both roles, recognizing the strength that comes from balancing family and career.
About the Contributor – Sabah is a goal-driven, people-focused, and results-oriented marketing and management professional with over 20 years of experience in the ICT sector across the MEA region. At IT Max Global, she excels in strategic planning, communications, and business development, leading high-performing teams and driving impactful marketing initiatives in dynamic and challenging environments.
This contribution is under the International Women’s Day initiative #SheIsInfinite.
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