Women’s biggest obstacles are their own assumptions

Are women’s leadership assumptions holding them back, asks Xiaowei Rose Luo, associate professor of entrepreneurship and family enterprise at Insead.

There has been much discussion about the stereotypes contributing to the lack of women in the C-suite. But one of the biggest obstacles could be their own assumptions on what path they’re supposed to take.

While much has been written about the stereotypes propping up the glass ceiling, most gender difference research has focused upon the assumptions made about women by organisations and their (predominantly male) leaders.

What is less acknowledged is the limiting assumptions women place on themselves. Research suggests that when all leadership contexts are considered, men and women do not differ in perceived leadership effectiveness. In fact, in some contexts women are rated as more effective than men. However, when it comes to self-assessment, men rate themselves as significantly more effective than women do. One of the greatest hindrances is women’s assumptions that they have to make choices and follow a specific career route if they are to take on senior leadership roles. The idea they must choose between a family or a career seems to be the biggest obstacle.

Accepting alternative career paths

When men enter the workforce with the goal of leadership, they take a very rigid and linear path. They make their way up the career ladder systematically, ensuring they meet the right people, take the right jobs, complete the right MBA and forge the right networks. Women, on the other hand, often expect their career to be interrupted at intervals by other life objectives or obligations; this might be motherhood, a husband’s career or family commitments to children or ageing parents. There is the assumption that hiatuses will limit their leadership potential.

The reality is, if handled well, interruptions can be turned into strengths. Take Steve Jobs. His dismissal by the Apple board was a huge interruption. But he took the opportunity to set up a smaller company. When he returned to Apple his outside experience helped him make an even greater contribution to Apple’s success.

While not all interruptions are good, they can encourage flexibility that can enhance a woman’s value in an organisation.

Long hours do not equate to productive leaders

Another widespread assumption is that a woman with family commitments will not have the time to meet senior leadership obligations. In reality, when it comes to decision-making, quality matters more than the amount of time spent sitting behind a desk.

Companies are recognising that women can be valuable in decision-making roles as they bring with them a different set of experiences, perspectives and new market insights. A 2011 study suggests that increased flexibility correlates positively with job engagement, job satisfaction, employee retention and employee health. Many organisations and government departments acknowledge that good family policies attract better talent.

Women shouldn’t assume they need to rein in their aspirations or that because they have less time they are less valuable. Instead they should act strategically and look for organisations with a corporate culture that recognises the need for work-life balance.

Aspirations and values of women leaders

Another assumption holding women back is of their value. By perpetuating the concept that women and girls’ value lies in their youth, beauty and sexuality, mainstream media and culture is contributing to the under-representation of women in senior leadership positions. When women assume that they are valued for a specific thing, it is likely they will work to enhance or at least keep that advantage.

The assumptions women have about themselves and what is required of them to become a leader, directly affects their aspirations and goals.

Shedding the shackles of self-limitation

It is worth remembering that diversity, sensitivity and an ability to take a holistic approach are considered to be feminine attributes and necessary qualities to becoming a successful global leader. The first step often requires women to adjust their mindsets, shed their limiting beliefs and maintain openness to the idea that many of their experiences have prepared them to be leaders.

Xiaowei Rose Luo is the Insead associate professor of entrepreneurship and family enterprise.

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