People are more uncertain about a women’s ability to be an effective leader – but why?
According to Forbes Magazine here are the some of the worst stereotypes about powerful women – let's discuss each in turn:
Too Emotional
Women are societally perceived to be inherently more empathetic, caring and emotionally driven, whilst society associates men as being achievement-orientated and therefore more able to lead. But what makes a great leader? The last time I checked, if someone feels passion, emotion or feeling towards a goal or a mission – then surely the outcome will be positive.
Having a Family Will ‘Get In The Way’
Harvard lecturer Olivia Fox Cabane noted that the strong perception that women will need to sacrifice their personal lives may end up stopping women from going after power. When Janet Napolitano was nominated Secretary of Homeland in the US – critics commented that the fact that she was single would allow her to spend more time on the job. This harsh reality of women having to fight their way up the leadership ladder and in the process feel like they should have no time for themselves is a huge issue. Why can’t women have it all?
Token of Diversity
So, you are telling me that after working hard for numerous years I am just going to be viewed as a token of a gender diversity initiative? I hope not! Tokenism is the practice of making only a symbolic gesture to be inclusive by recruiting people from underrepresented groups in order to ‘tick a box’ on equality. So how will we know if we are tokens? Well, if there happens to be only one candidate from a minority within a certain group – this could be an instance of tokenism, however the company may just be beginning to commit to their diversity practices.
Research believes that gender stereotypes hold women back in the workplace and can even cause women to question their own abilities. As women we can either choose to embrace these stereotypes or counteract them – but whatever happens – the more women in leadership positions will help educate, inspire and change the next generations view of strong, powerful women leaders.
---- Amy Fitzmaurice, Guest Blogger (Founder of Women High Up)
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WRITER'S PROFILE
Amy is the Founder of Women High Up – a free mentoring organisation aimed at promoting gender imbalance. Women High Up pairs aspiring professional women with mentors in their chosen sector, including law, business, finance and marketing. Amy’s passion for gender equality and seeing more women in positions of seniority inspired her to create a platform where women feel excited, passionate and encourage to fulfil positions of power – rather than feeling discouraged and out of place.
