In the 1970s, when the first generation of women began entering the workplace seriously, they succeeded by imitating men. Back then, an authoritarian leader and tight control were hallmarks of the businessman, and women were not necessarily welcomed in management positions. But those days are gone, and we live in a different world now!

It is no longer possible for CEOs/entrepreneurs to tap into their company's full potential by following a command-and-control strategy. To succeed in business in the 21st century, a woman needs to build a vision based on her awareness of economic transformation, and then work with her partners and employees toward achieving that vision. She must draw on a wide range of skills to reach the top and remain there.  

Here are seven key characteristics to look for:

1 - Sell the Vision: 

A leader with an independent vision for her company's growth and future has an advantage in attracting and keeping great talent and investors. An attainable vision is not some lofty ideal, but a simple idea that will help the company grow in a positive way.

2 - Reinvent the Rules: 

As women have historically been socialized to please others, the 21st century leader knows that good girls do not consistently deliver excellent results. It is important to note that the most successful managers/owners of today not only anticipate change, but also create entirely new organizations in response to shifts and in search of innovation.

3 - Achieve With A Laser Focus:  

Go where others fear to tread! A tendency to be aggressive and ambitious has long been considered a man's trait, but they are among the core qualities of new leaders. Today’s business woman has the ability to home in on opportunities that others may simply not see, and then excel in that uncharted territory.  

4 - Use High-Touch in a High-Tech Era:  

While many leaders conduct business via e-mail, voice mail, and spreadsheets, the female leader excels because she guides with a strong, personal, bed-side manner. Today’s business woman is just as technologically savvy as her peers, but her skill with staff and customers is “high-touch” which gives her a critical edge and separation from the “pack”.

5 - Challenge or Opportunity? 

Women are great at turning a challenge into an opportunity instead of using the “slash-and-burn” approach. They are able to make bold strokes, but they also win the cooperation of others in the organization in making any transformation a success.

6 - A Customer Preference Obsession:  

Since it is easier to shop around for the best "whatever" these days, businesses must work harder to give people what they want before their competitors. Spending time with clients allows you to become an expert in their businesses and learn their demands. Almost instinctively, female leaders can do this without the client noticing.

7 - Courage Under Fire: 

Any woman today who isn't able to "hold her own" in tough situations is not a career woman or a female leader. Their decision-making skills are rooted in a high level of confidence, since they have had to weather and surpass any and all "corporation" storms they've encountered over the years.

Any entrepreneur or leader must have a certain mindset and bravado to be successful, but it's particularly challenging for women. Let’s face it, ladies! Women always had to be twice-as-smart and twice-as-confident as any male counterpart in the corporate world. 

After all, men should realize that If you can bear and raise the next generation, running a successful business shouldn't be a problem.