My LinkedIn Inbox is filled with opportunities to speak, people inquiring about working with me, people who desire access to my BILLION DOLLAR ROLODEX and invitations to executive roundtables.
Today, I’m sharing an email exchange with a Female Executive that I think you might find quite alarming. Ooh … It ruffled my feathers. Take a look.
QUESTION:
“Hi Ungenita,
I’m a managing editor at LinkedIn. We often reach out to LinkedIn members who we think can add informed perspectives on the day’s news and trends.
While public perception of female intelligence has improved dramatically over the past 70 years, very few people believe women are as capable to lead organizations as men, according to a new report from the American Psychologist. The finding could be a main driver behind the shortage of women leading companies across corporate America.
We want to hear from you: As an executive leader, what have been your experiences with female leaders in the workplace? Why do you think there’s a disconnect between public perception of female leadership skills and what is happening in your industry? Finally, what do you think can be done to change the way that women in leadership roles are viewed?”
ANSWER:
After working with hundreds of women here’s what I see.
Women have difficulty owning their accomplishments.
Men don’t.
“Sell Yourself” (women find it difficult to do)
Men don’t.
Self-Doubt, Low Confidence … studies suggest men apply for senior positions when they are 35% qualified, women on the other hand 65%.
A negative belief about the sales process … “I don’t want to be pushy or sell like a man” Only 39% of sales-related roles are filled by women. Women have negative beliefs around selling.
Sales = Money
Developing skills … social media is actually deskilling women.
Women are not developing their business skills/soft skills
Communication
Social
Networking
Interpersonal
Emotional Intelligence
Leadership
Sales
Women don’t own their skills, talents and credentials. The diminishment and “I’m not good enough” cycle keeps many women stuck and their careers in an extended stall pattern.
LinkedIn is a classic example. Women shy away from LinkedIn because they find it intimidating.
END OF EMAIL THREAD
It’s time for women like us to step into our roles as feminine leaders on the world stage.
HOT Success,
Ungenita
If you would like to increase your visibility, monetize your LinkedIn network and take your profile from amateur to PRO.
Book a call.
