I'd Rather Be in Charge

“From Revolution to Evolution”

Here’s a telling statistic: “Some 51% of managerial and professional jobs go to women today, compared to only 25% in 1980.” Yet with this tremendous progress, women still encounter stumbling blocks and “opaque” (though no longer glass) ceilings that limit their progress as they attempt to build authentic, dynamic relationships with their male bosses, peers and co-workers. Companies have made great strides in reducing workplace sexual harassment, but, ironically, the gains have created a “climate of caution” that puts women at a disadvantage when dealing with male authority figures. If you are a woman in the workforce, three environmental factors will challenge your efforts at work:

1. The “disconnect” between men and women – The genders differ in their thinking and their approaches to work, goals and achievement.
2. Men’s perceptions of “womanly qualities” – Male colleagues expect women to behave according to stereotypes; when a female leader acts differently, men may criticize her or feel uncomfortable working for her.
3. Your “self-imposed limitations” – You can’t attain...