Why women leaders?

Women leaders: two words that are rarely seen together, two words that if embraced more often by more men and women, would positively change the human and economic course and condition of the world.

The fact is the number of women leaders is too few. In the article “The Most Undervalued Leadership Traits of Women,” by Glenn Llopis, as of July 2013, there were only 19 females that were elected presidents and prime ministers worldwide, and only 4.6% women who held CEO positions inside Fortune 500 companies. These percentages, however low, demonstrate slowly but surely, women are becoming leaders.

Women leaders are not fully appreciated for their unique qualities and abilities that they bring to the workplace and/or their communities. And although there lies a long road ahead for women leaders, their powerful influence and perseverance will one day close the gender gap, if they just keep trying and pushing for what is right, regardless of the obstacles.

Can we blame it on the glass ceiling? Or do women undervalue themselves and their competencies. Do they get overlooked by men and women? In Llopis’s article, she lists the six most common undervalued traits of women leaders, being:

1. Opportunity ­driven
2. Strategic
3. Passionate
4. Entrepreneurial
5. Purposeful and Meaningful
6. Traditional and Family Oriented.

Do you see these leadership traits in yourself but are afraid to put yourself out there? Do you think no one will notice?

WGLI supports, encourages and inspires you to take more risks, trying something new to bring about positive change in your life and those of others. Whether you go out and find a better job or aspire for a higher education, the important thing is to TRY.