Research shows that the phrase leader in the workplace, church or any organization is associated with the image of a man and not a woman. Regardless of all advances in women’s and all legislative support for gender equality, cultural stereotypes are still very hard to shake off.

There are still obstacles which women leaders are facing even today. Not only do women have to overcome barriers of attitudes emanating from traditional behaviors and norms, they also have to deal with attitudes they harbor.

Part of the problem is linked to attributes that are normally assigned to different genders i.e.

• Men are seen as authoritative, ambitious and assertive.

• Women are seen as humble, nurturing and focused on relationships

Should you find women acting in ways which are not consistent with these gender stereotypes, then they are often bombarded with negative labels as:

• Aggressive

• Ruthless (Other women will put this label on them as well.)

 

Most women have a feeling that they do not have to work harder than men just to secure leadership positions; however, many feel that they still have to make greater personal sacrifices in order to succeed.

Let’s take a closer look at the challenges facing women leaders.

Challenge 1 

Barriers from traditional attitudes:

• A woman is seen as a homemaker and a mother.

• She is viewed as incompetent in the professional arena.

• Even if a woman achieved a position of leadership, there is still persistent belief in her inferiority complex compared to men in similar positions of responsibilities.

Challenge 2

Family responsibility

• Women are under pressure to juggle demands of career and family.

• There is constant criticism for failure to achieve perfection whilst men are rarely subjected to the same scrutiny and expectations.

 Challenge 3 

Personal Inclination

• Women are more prone to nurturing relationships.

• They focus on the person and the emotions involved rather than tasks and issues.

• Women leaders always look for the compassionate solution.

• Women shy away from being assertive and avoid conflict.

These inclinations can be seen as weaknesses. Particularly when compared against the more ruthless leadership styles of their male counterparts. Thus it may be for women to adjust and adapt their personal communication styles and attitudes in order to maintain respect in leadership roles.

Source: Leadership Experts

__________________________________________________

Dr. Mabel Baloyi is married to Bishop Elect Dr. Joseph Baloyi. Together, they have been blessed with a daughter, Precious Nyiko Baloyi. She is the former Media 24 local newspaper columnist. She briefly wrote articles for Ekurhuleni News and bread of life magazine. Dr. Mabel studied (MBA) general. She is and HRD, Training and Development and project management specialist.

Dr. Mabel is the founding president of Women of Excellence and Network of Women in Leadership.  She co-founded a management consulting company with her husband and together they are pastoring a church in the East Rand (Kathorus Christian Tabernacle). She is a life coach mentor and Inspirational speaker.

For easy access and appointments for coaching/mentoring contact any of the numbers or get immediate access to Dr. Mabel on twitter @newole (Direct Message ) or on Facebook @ Pastor Mabel Baloyi / www.Facebook.com/newole (inbox). For more information email : newole.leadershipexcellence@gmail.com or info.newole@gmail.com .

071 915 8345 ( Hotline )

072 635 9107 ( PA – Z Mazibuko )

071 348 8486 (Executive PA/ office manager – T Theko )

071 219 5829 ( Admin – P Mosia )