"Women simply do not have the aspiration to pursue C Suite roles which is why we do not see equal numbers of men and women in leadership positions." I have had this conversation more times then I wish to remember when working with organizations on increasing gender diversity in the leadership ranks. The aspirations of women can be a very perplexing yet popular topic of … [Read more...]
The Most Talked About Barrier- Work/Life Balance
This is the fourth post in a series about the barriers impacting the lack of advancement of women in business. We have discussed the background regarding women's lack of advancement and also covered the first two barriers- Lack of Career Advocacy and Lack of Visible Role Models. This final post in the series is about the most talked about barrier regarding women's lack of … [Read more...]
Leadership and Emotional Pollution
Did you ever throw a paper cup on the ground and walk away? The women who read this blog would not think to do that. The cup would find a home in a trash can. And, if you look down and there is a candy wrapper lying on the pavement, do you pick it up and throw it in a waste basket? Most likely you would take the moment to help clean up the area. So, why do we walk past … [Read more...]
5 Lessons I’ve Learned about Leadership
The economic waves have settled a bit and my company is getting ready to hire several new employees. As the resumes have rolled in, more than I can ever remember, I thought back to my very first professional job and the anticipation of the world that was unfolding before me. When you started your career what was front and center on your work agenda? I was armed with a … [Read more...]
Where have all the leaders gone?
Flip-flip, flip-flip, flip-flip, flip-flip…the sound of the revolving doors at Kaufmann’s Department Store more than 30 years ago in downtown Pittsburgh. If you grew up in the suburbs, you knew that the best place to meet your friends for a day of shopping was under the clock at Kaufmann’s. The memories of shopping in retail stores is marked with exceptional service, quality … [Read more...]
Visibility of Female Leaders
In the past two posts we have been talking about why we do not see more progress in the advancement of women in business , community and politics. In the first post we covered an overview of what is happening to slow down our progress. Much of what happens is subtle and not well understood. (Post May 24) In the second post we talked about the first barrier in more detail- … [Read more...]
A Woman Leader for Today
Here is the recipe: take a very large scoop of entrepreneurs ready to change the world add one powerful leader who ignores the word “can’t” drop in, one at a time, equally powerful women who hear the call to success mix with social media garnish with online and on-site programs blend with international flavors serve this nutritious combination everyday for … [Read more...]
Presentation skills are more than “talk”
Courageous leaders have an organic skill that shines above all else…Presentation Skills. The ability to engage others through presentation skills exercised daily through one-on-one conversations, group interactions and conference calls is more than just “talk”. To present effortlessly increases credibility, confidence and commands attention. A skilled leader with … [Read more...]
Advancement of Women – the Barriers
Last weeks post introduced the barriers to the advancement of women. This week we concentrate on the lack of access to career development and advocacy. This issue is not very well understood in many organizations. It is however one of the most important if we care about diversity in our leadership ranks and advancement of all top talent. The issue of advocacy is often subtle … [Read more...]
Success Factors Essential to the Advancement of Women in Business
It is amazing! It is amazing, after all the has been written and all that has been done by organizations and individuals regarding women leaders, that we still hear so much ambiguity in discussion about the lack of progress in the percentage of women leaders in business. We do know what the barriers are and we do know that if these barriers are addressed they turn into … [Read more...]