It’s not news that women are just as capable as men of being great leaders – in politics and in business. What is making news this week is a new Pew Research Center survey on women and leadership. It finds most Americans find women to be indistinguishable from men on key leadership traits such as intelligence and innovation. In fact, many of those surveyed think women are actually stronger than men in the key areas of compassion and organization.
So why is there a shortage of leading women? The survey finds that it’s not that women lack toughness, management chops or proper skill sets. It’s also not about work-life balance. In fact, few adults surveyed pointed to motherhood as a key barrier for women seeking leadership roles. Instead the survey found half of those surveyed think that women seeking leadership positions in politics or business have to do more than their male counterparts to prove themselves worthy.
Why should women have to work harder to prove themselves? We’ve been leading the way in so many ways for so many years. Leading Women co-author Dr. Lois Frankel contends that women make phenomenal leaders, and have a great track record of leadership. The Red Cross, Planned Parenthood, the PTA and United Way were all founded by women wanting to make a difference. In Colonial times, women tackled a host of issues like moral reform, care of widows, children and the mentally ill, conditions for women prisoners, aid for soldiers, temperance, abolition of slavery, suffrage, libraries, the environment, culture, health issues, and more.
Today, women make up 50% of the workforce, have higher education levels than men, and are often the primary breadwinners in their families, yet they still end up underpaid and underrepresented. Studies show that having more women in the workplace can lead to higher productivity and efficiency. So what is the hold up?
The study finds that when it comes to the barriers that may be holding women back, the existing societal and institutional structure – along with women’s own attitudes – help maintain the status quo. A high percentage of women surveyed believe “the country is not ready” to elect more women leaders. However, studies have shown women can raise money just as effectively as men and that when they do run for office, they are as likely to win as men. Gloria Feldt of TaketheLeadWomen.com believes that women’s own attitudes toward and fear of personal power are holding them back.
Some studies show much of the pay gap exists because women are all too often reluctant to negotiate and advocate for themselves. They fear being perceived as unfeminine, and worry – with good reason, that their success makes them less likeable. Our book Leading Women describes many barriers and solutions.
One of the key issues the study shone a light on is the fact that for women, the issue of having more female leaders goes far beyond workplace equality. Nearly 80 percent of women surveyed say having more women in top leadership positions in business and government would improve the quality of life for all women. Although men are less enthusiastic, a strong majority (62 percent) agrees having more women leaders would improve all women’s lives.
This study provides statistical insight as to where we stand, and demonstrates the areas where there is still work to be done. Women have been proving their leadership skills for generations, and we need to celebrate every victory along the way, because that clears the path for all women. Every glass ceiling broken or hurdle cleared brings us all one-step closer to equality in our leadership, so here’s to the women who are leading the way!
The World Is Ready For More Women In Leadership
