Women In Leadership
Even today, female leaders face many challenges on the way to the top. Of course, society has changed a great deal over the past few decades and many new and exciting opportunities have opened for women in business and community positions.
That kind of lulls us into thinking many of the obstacles have been overcome or the glass ceiling has been shattered.
In truth, women have unique considerations that can either pose as stumbling blocks or propel them to greatness. Let's take a look at some of the challenges of women in leadership.
I bet the first thing that pops in your mind is gender discrimination.
When it comes to the workplace, women are protected by discrimination and harassment laws, so while both of these inequities occur, women have recourse. The challenge then is to rise above the mental and emotional aspects of being looked down upon or dismissed simply because of gender. In some ways this is no different than the challenges faced by anyone in a minority status because of race, sexual orientation, or even appearance.
The great female leaders of today have taken on this discrimination and used it to only become stronger and more determined to succeed.
Other challenges of women in leadership arise from the restrictions put on women while growing up in male dominated families and a society that rewards aggressive men and demur women.
Women may lack confidence from an early age and this lack of confidence gets reinforced in the home and school system where girls aren't expected to excel in math and science but are steered towards more traditional nurturing roles.
However, some of the greatest female leaders today are born nurturers and when this quality is combined with self confidence, women can be unstoppable. Girls and women may be prevented from achieving their full potential if they are not allowed to grow up in an environment where their status is honored and great things are expected of them.
Our modern society creates challenges for women in leadership today that weren't necessarily present in decades past.
We are all living such fast paced, distracted lives that it can be difficult for women to devote enough time to themselves and their projects.
Women with families have responsibilities with children and running the home. Kids are involved in more activities than ever that require a lot of time and energy to coordinate. At the end of the day, you sometimes feel depleted by all the demands on your time and emotions. It's hard to image having enough energy and focus left over to become a great leader in anything.
So many people today are just plain tired, especially women, and this can keep them from achieving greatness.
So, how can these challenges of women in leadership be overcome or managed?
A good place to start is with the self. Develop your personal power and mental outlook first. Some women are just natural born leaders, but others could become great leaders with the right tools.
It doesn't hurt to ask for help. That is a sign of strength rather than weakness. Enlist the help of your spouse, parents, or babysitter with caring for your children and your home so you are not overwhelmed with too many important responsibilities at once.
Strive for peak health by getting plenty of rest, lots of exercise, and by eating a healthy diet. This will give you energy and stamina for working hard and having a sharp mind. Discipline your mind by staying focused on your goal and not being knocked off course when you are berated or slighted at work because of your gender.
In a more practical approach, remember that some of the challenges of women in leadership can be overcome by utilizing laws if you need them. Don't allow a co-worker to abuse you or block your promotions simply because you are female. Stand up for your rights.
However, keep in mind, being aggressive will help you get to the top but it will not necessarily give you the charisma you need to naturally attract supporters. If you don't have natural charm, you can cultivate it by taking classes that teach you social graces and business etiquette. You can take personal development classes on becoming more assertive or classes on how to dress for success.
One thing is for sure, great female leaders never have their status simply handed to them.
A lucky few grow into the position of a leader thanks to their own innate personalities and abilities. Most females though, have to work hard to overcome the challenges of women in leadership. The good news is that the struggle makes them stronger.
The Personal Development Guy's Self Improvement Ezine (FREE)
Would you like to keep in touch - and get high-level tips and special bonuses? Then please sign up for my self improvement newsletter The Personal Development Guy's Self Improvement Ezine. It is totally FREE.
I LOVE Your Support
If you've found the free personal development content on this website useful, please click the Donate button. Your donation will help me to keep producing free, high-level self improvement information. I am VERY GRATEFUL for your support!
Inspirational Quotes, Poems and Funny Short Stuff
If you want, you can also get your personal development, spirituality and general wisdom in an ultra light version - or even add your own wisdom to the site. Just go to the other sister of this website at:
- World's Best and YOUR Best Quotes, Poems and Short Funny Stuff
Quotescoop.com is also known as:
(http://www.inspirational-quotes-short-funny-stuff.com).
High-Level Positive Parenting Advice and Deep Insights
Positive Parenting Ally is the parenting equivalent of the Personal Development Guy. This is where you go if you want really deepen your understanding of parenting, empower your kids and make everyday life more easy and joyful.
Positive-Parenting-Ally.com
- Parenting advice for the conscious, open-minded parent!
Back to the top of this page about Women In Leadership
Jump directly to the main page about leadership.
Where Would You Like to Go Next?
To see what has been added to this site recently (plus offers, etc.), check out Blog & News at thePersonalDevelopmentGuy.comTo share your own short self improvement ideas, tips, musings, quotes, stories, spiritual jokes, etc. (and read the short ideas, etc. others have shared) jump to Shared Blog: Self Improvement Ideas
Jump to the Personal Development Guy Homepage
[?] Subscribe To This Site
