The changes in the status of women in higher education during the last two decades make leadership roles a unique opportunity for women today. Women have been able to change the who, how, what, and why of decisionmaking. Currently, women still have barriers to overcome in accessing leadership opportunities. The barriers that effect women include both external factors such as traditional values and norms in society and also internal messages about "proper" behavior for a woman. Attributes perceived as being needed for good leadership: being assertive, decisive, independent, comfortable with control, and (yes!) even being aggressive at times are not behaviors encouraged in women. To develop women's leadership roles you must address both the internal and external barriers. The following are suggestions for enhancing women in leadership.
Encouragement
We all need it so why not share it! Sometimes a person just needs
to be told to take a chance. Encouragement is the first step to
taking a risk, sharing an idea or running for office. Check your
own attitudes -- do you encourage men more than women? Do you
unconsciously check for "extra" qualifications if nominating,
electing, or appointment a woman to a position? Encouragement
is a true motivator.
Language
Does your language exclude women? Do you always assume the male
pronoun? If you do, just replace pronouns with articles:
A careful secretary consults her dictionary often.
A careful secretary consults a dictionary often.
or, use specific, genderless nouns:
The average man on the street speaks his mind on the issues.
The average voter speaks out on political issues.
You can eliminate the pronoun, use plural nouns and pronouns or alternative male and female in your speech. You can use chair for chairman, representative for spokesman, call a policeman a police officer and call a female doctor simply a doctor.
Language is a powerful tool that can discriminate unintentionally. It is also a tool for growth and change.
Mentoring
Learning the ropes. Sharing knowledge. Providing opportunities.
A mentor can help a person's career to move faster and smoother.
Look around and see if someone can be a mentor to you. A mentor
could be a professor, another student, a program advisor, or it
could be you! Do you have experience in your organization? Be
a mentor to an emerging female leader in the organization -- it
will ensure quality leadership for the future and help encourage
women to grow.
Communication
Studies show that in groups men tend to dominate meetings and
control policy decisions. Women who wish to develop their verbal
skills could take a speech class, join a toastmasters group, or
take an assertion training class. In your organization you can
suggest rotation of responsibilities that enhance an individual's
verbal skills, i.e. chairing a meeting, introducing speakers,
representing the organization or giving a report to the organization.
Enhancing leadership in all people means sharing challenges, opportunities,
and rewards. Look to others for their possible contribution to
your organization. Make choices based on ability and watch your
own potential grow.