Women and Leadership

I believe that yes, there is a difference in the way women acquire and sustain their leadership positions versus the way men go about acquiring theirs. Sadly, it is evident that is more difficult for a woman, especially in the white collar work industry, to attain and maintain a leadership position. There is opposition from a sides, society, higher ups and at times their own families. Though, of course, this is not the case for all women, society does still largely live in the realm that women should be raising the children and running the home. Society does not have a problem with women holding a job; however they seem to frown upon the idea that a woman should and can be working outside of the home as much as a man in a similar position.

In a blog post I found will reading about men versus women in the work place the author stated, "30 years after women entered the work force in large numbers, the default mental image of a leader is still a male...women who act in ways that are consistent with the gender stereotypes -defined as 'focusing on the work relationships'...were considered less competent. But if they act in ways that are seen as more 'male' - they are seen as 'too tough' and 'unfeminine'" (Perceptions of men vs. women - workplace: http://peteflow.blogspot.com/2007/11/perceptions-of-women-vs-men-workplace.html). Women seem to be in a lose - lose situation. No matter which way they chose to approach their leadership role, they can't seem to please society.

Instead of sitting around and feeling bad about the situation I believe it is time that people who believe in this cause should stand up and do something. I say people because I do not believe that only women could stand up for this; however I do believe that women need to take initiative and get the ball rolling. Similar to what Sheryl Sandburg, I believe that women need to begin putting themselves in positions where they can be leaders and not letting go until they have gotten as high up as possible aka "keeping their feet on the gas pedal".

I also believe that quotas in the work place are important step. Yes, there may be some push back from some unhappy male colleagues but I believe that it is important to get women in the work place so that they can prove their worth as opposed to them not having an opportunity in the first place. I do not think fear of the negative connotations should stop us. Eventually, whether they like it or not people will see that women are just as capable to hold these positions and hopefully this exposure will help break the stereotypes.