For the gender equality movement to succeed, women MUST support other women. In this video, I talk about leadership role models like Sheryl Sandberg and wonder whether we truly understand what makes a good role model.
Why Do We Need Women Role Models In Our Gender Equality Movement?
First up, I suggest we bolster one another’s efforts rather than feed into the frequent backlash against women leader by decrying feminism.
Whatever your opinion of Facebook COO and Lean In author Sheryl Sandberg, the fact is her efforts have made a positive difference to many women. She isn’t perfect, and her methodology or insights do not apply to every woman looking for an equal footing in business—but she’s raising the issue and fighting for the cause. That’s good enough for me.
When Successful Women Fail
Why do the messages of role models like Sheryl Sandberg often backfire and result in a fall from grace?
A leader’s message stems from her unique perspective and experience, which means it’s not relatable to everyone. If we want our gender equality movement to achieve widespread positive outcomes, we need more voices and many more women leaders. We can contribute our own individual viewpoints, support other women as we pass the baton, and work together for change.
More Women Need To Stand Up And We Must Support Them
What makes a good role model? She is a woman who takes a stand and courageously speaks out, despite the controversy that may follow.
How can you help? First set a good example in your response to women leaders. Respect and be kind to those who dare to speak out especially when you don’t agree to every single thing she says. Instead of tearing down the few women role models for their different approaches or shortcomings (we all have at least a few!), join them in their fight. Add that much needed perspective.
We can’t rest the duty of tackling the entire gender equality movement on just a handful of woman. IT TAKES ALL OF US TO WORK TOGETHER.
Most importantly, please support other women. Let’s do our part to show one another that we need and welcome the contributions of everyone. Recognize and appreciate what makes a good role model, encourage change, and keep us moving forward.
Let’s Grow,
Beate
Beate Chelette is The Growth Architect & Founder of The Women’s Code, a training company specialized in providing companies an ROI on Balanced Leadership. She has been named one of 50 must-follow women entrepreneurs by the Huffington Post. A first-generation immigrant who found herself $135,000 in debt as a single parent, she bootstrapped her passion for photography into a highly-successful global business, and eventually sold it to Bill Gates in a multimillion-dollar deal.
Beate works with business leaders and supports organizations by developing and providing training the training, tools, and expertise to create and maintain a balanced, equal and inclusive work environment that fosters creativity, employee engagement and corporate growth.
Recent clients include Merck, Women’s Legislative Caucus of California, Cal State University Dominguez Hills, Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), NFTE, CreativeLive, the Association of Corporate Growth, and TracyLocke.
Beate is the author of the #1 International Amazon Bestseller “Happy Woman Happy World – How to Go From Overwhelmed to Awesome” a book that corporate trainer and best-selling author Brian Tracy calls “a handbook for every woman who wants health, success and a fulfilling career.
To book Beate to speak or train please connect here.