Women in Leadership

Over the years, I have had the privilege of listening to women in leadership roles speak about their career journey and challenges. The goal of such discussion in a public forum is to encourage a new generation of female leadership to find role models and further their own careers. A theme I have seen repeated is how these women answer the question about role models - very often its another woman - most often a close family member. 

That is not how a man in leadership would typically answer the same question. By staying close to home and family in their response, women feed into the very stereotype they are trying to avoid and overcome. How about a role model that is not a family member, met in the course of their long and illustrious careers. It could be a woman but could as well be a man who saw potential and helped nurture it - there are plenty of those around. 

After a while the stories of the crusading, all conquering mother who overcame incredible odds to raise her kids becomes a predictable trope. It does not serve the cause well. These mothers are to be loved, cherished and respected but there is place and time for that. Singing her praises while sitting in a panel with other business leaders is likely not the ideal venue. Yet women do this all the time and I hesitate to point out why this is not a good idea - it would be too contrarian - almost a betrayal to the cause. 

It is no surprise the glass ceiling remains firmly in place despite an infinite number of Women in X organizations.