Women may not hold the majority of leadership roles, but they are definitely on the charts. And here’s something you may not know: those charts are growing. Pew Research Center has found that the number of women holding leadership roles—including branches of government, Fortune 500 companies, and college universities—has been steadily increasing since the mid-1960s. Since those numbers are only going to keep increasing, it can’t hurt to be aware of the most effective—and undervalued—leadership qualities in women.
Opportunity-driven
Women tend to see the glass half-full more often, making them more likely to search for and obtain opportunities. A leader that can appreciate and obtain opportunities for herself can do the same for her team.
Strategic
Forbes says it best: “A woman’s lens of skepticism oftentimes forces them to see well beyond the most obvious details before them.” Women’s viewpoints go through an intuitive filter, helping them see more than the obvious before making decisions.
Passionate
Many people imagine leaders as being cold and distant; that is much less likely in a woman. They provide that human connection of compassion, as well as a passion for their mission beyond the basic drive of completing a goal.
Entrepreneurial
Women aren’t given opportunities as much as men, so when they get one, they run with it. They are resourceful and creative in their ways to success—two traits that are necessary for any leader.
The modern-day woman is more than just a housewife. She is intelligent, independent, and has the makings of a great leader. Don’t underestimate women in the workforce—pretty soon, their population in the workforce will be equal to that of men.
