Beliefs That Limit Women Leaders

Are you limiting yourself as a leader?

Many women grew up under limitations that were instilled in them by society, their parents, their teachers, and even other women leaders. Depending on your generation, you may have been fed even more of these untruths and limiting beliefs. 

For example, Baby Boomers have had a narrower view of women’s leadership abilities than Gen Y or Millennials have. It has taken decades of women shattering one glass ceiling after another to give hope and inspiration to other women. But we’re still not where we could be. 
 

And the reason is partly that women are still placing invisible limits on themselves. Sometimes without even knowing. If this describes you, your mindset needs rebooting.

Are you limiting yourself as a leader? Here are five ways you might be, based on archaic beliefs: 

Raising a Family and Being a Leader Are Independent Pursuits

This is one that younger generations have begun to diffuse. When I was in the early stages of my career, I didn’t think I could do both. At that time, there was so much negative bias about women professionals, that it was difficult to accomplish both. Today there are more ways to manage this, as there are many more childcare options, flexible work options, and family-friendly companies.

Women Can’t Lead in Male-Dominated Industries

There is a perception in industries such as financial services, technology, and industrial manufacturing, that you can’t make it as a woman, and certainly not as a leader. Part of this perception arises because female leadership is sparse in these industries. 

Another element is that unconscious biases exist in male-oriented industries that a woman can’t be one of the guys. Women are much more aware of such biases and are speaking up. This myth is slowly being eroded across these industries.

Women Are Hard To Deal With

Some managers feel that it’s just too hard to work with women. When I was a banker, every time I started a new job and reported to a different man, I was the first woman who had ever reported to him. Male leaders didn’t “understand’ women and therefore just felt it was so much work. 

This is as much an internal belief as an external one. When I broke down such misconceptions, I learned there was no basis for them. Over time, you can gain the trust of male co-workers by not succumbing to the myth that you’re just too difficult to work with.

Women Are Too Soft As Leaders

Women generally have leadership styles that emphasize “softer skills” and as a result, are seen as weak. I was called out in a meeting once that I was always “too nice,” to which I replied, “Someone has to be.” Characteristics such as strong interpersonal skills, self-awareness and empathy are valuable leadership traits. 

There Are Certain Things Men Can Do Better than Women

We all know this isn’t the case, but here are some ways you may be accidentally perpetuating this bias. By allowing the bias to continue, you are allowing it to direct your future.

Upon reviewing these myths, here are a few nuggets of advice:
 

• Remember that your mindset can help you rise above the noise of gender bias. If you believe you can’t, you won’t. Believe you can and you will.
• Network with other strong women and use your relationships to strengthen your leadership acumen.
• Don’t just assume that you can’t be a leader in a particular industry. Use a critical eye and see how your strengths can enhance the company you want to work with.

At the end of the day, whatever you do, don’t be a victim. Ever. Keep developing personally and professionally, and acquire the skills that can ride with you to the top.

Author Bio

Dr. Lisa M. Aldisert is an NYC-based business advisor, trend expert, speaker and author. She is president of Pharos Alliance Inc., an executive advisory firm specializing in strategic planning, organizational and leadership development for entrepreneurial organizations. Dr. Aldisert’s most recent book is Leadership Reflections. Visit www.lisaaldisert.com  Connect Lisa M. Aldisert Follow @LisaAldisert