While listening to a reputable news radio station this morning, I was stunned to hear a woman voter who was interviewed state that, “as a woman, I will not vote for a woman. I do not believe women are capable of leading.” While this interview was focused on the presidential campaign, I was left with the following questions:
• To lead what – the nation, an organization, a classroom, their family? Where does such a sweeping statement about leadership stop?
• Based on gender? In fact, recent studies have shown that the leadership style naturally demonstrated by women (teamwork, multitasking, and communication) are those most needed now and into the future.
Leadership is about an individual standing up and making a positive difference in their community; whether that community is in their family, in their workplace, or in their elected position. Leadership is about having the courage to want to make a difference, and demonstrating the necessary skills in a way that engages those who will be led.
Leadership is not about gender, or race for that matter. Rather than making categorical indictments, start looking at the unique capabilities that an individual can bring to a leadership position.