People tell me that we all win when women are treated fairly as leaders ... and I believe we do. People appear to have opened their minds more to the fact that women’s brains differ and that means their contributions differ too… and I am impressed with new openness. People point out a few gaps that men leave at times… which would be filled with more women alongside… and that seems good too. 
Most would agree ...that more people today say they value men and women as equals, different and yet both necessary in leadership positions. So what’s the problem …? If we have come so far with gender appreciation ... and it seems we have ... why does this not carry through in more visable support to women leaders?
When strong women begin to lead… we hear the opposite of support… from both men and women. Why do we find it so hard to support highly successful women leaders? Have you heard people say lately...?
Oprah Winfrey is too touchy feely
Condoleezza Rice is too driven
Martha Steward is too perfect
Hilary Clinton is too confrontational
Margaret Thatcher is too male
I just don’t get it…. And these are just a few of those women who rise up … only to get shot down publicly ... and at the water cooler… by cynics and critics. If what we say is true … and if we want women to start to lead well… let’s support them when they do. Where is the respect and appreciation that gives women enough mental-acumen-space to lead … and to make mistakes along the way … just as all good leaders do? It may be time to reboot our brains and rethink our position .. for the sake of women leaders.... What do you think?
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