Why Don’t Most Women Call Themselves Leaders?

Author: Angela Craig

In a Gallup research poll only 36% of women in business self-identified with the word “leadership”.

What do you think is the reason for this?

I believe, women define “leadership” different than the world defines leadership. The world teaches us that a “real leader” has a platform, a following, a stage. Think of CEO, Presidents, movie stars, musicians. We see this also in the church. Pastors, evangelists, teachers, worship leaders – all have a platform, a following, or a stage.

It may be that you are called to use a stage as a tool to influence others by teaching or preaching, if this is you, I encourage you to take the stage.

But what it you are the other 98% of people that are not using the stage as a tool?

How do we define leadership?

Here are what some leadership experts have to say:

• Peter Drucker: “The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.”
• John Maxwell – “Leadership is influence…nothing less, nothing more.”
• Bill Gates: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
• Warren Bennis: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”

Let’s pivot our thinking with a different definition.

“Leadership is the process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards a specific goal” ~Kevin Kruse Forbes Magazine.

How many of you would like to have a positive influence on your children, your community, church, or a cause that is close to your heart?

There is not a single person reading this that didn’t answer yes! We were created to make a difference in this world.

The word leadership gives the illusion that a leader must have a platform or a stage but this is simple not the truth. It is this illusion that most women do not identify with.

BRAVO!

What women understand is that the majority of us will not find ourselves called to a stage or a large audience. We understand that it take 100% not 2% of an organization, a church, community, or a family to function and excel at its highest capacity.

Each of us are called to live out our fullest potential, and use the power of our strengths, talents and passions to minister to people, one by one, maximizing the efforts of others towards a common goal.

Women know that leadership is based on biblical principles. Being a witness to the truth. Coming together as community for the common good of humankind. Investing in others with your strengths, talents and encouraging words. Being accountable. Showing people the love and compassion of Jesus by simply seeing and hearing their needs, hurts, and dreams and cheering them in their God-given goals! Serving with the gifts you have been given in the season you are in.

This is leadership. We must not allow the world’s opinion to let us live in a world of status quo.

I believe it is time you stepped forward and redefine what leadership is!