Embracing Authenticity: Breaking Free from Patriarchal Traps in Leadership

Do "Women work for bags and shoes'? "Is the increase of Female C-levs "Patriarchy Striking back"??

Miljana Nikodijevic newsletter article https://tinyurl.com/yxsve33n raises thought-provoking questions about the dynamics of women in leadership roles. It highlights concerns about token empowerment and the persistence of underlying biases. There is a need to critically examine whether the increase in female C-level executives signifies genuine progress towards equality or if it conceals a subtler form of control. The challenges the author presents prompt me to reflect on the complexities of ambition, societal expectations and the true nature of empowerment.

I have argued that women's leadership often embraces a consultative approach, emphasizing collaboration and community, challenging patriarchal structures that concentrate power. The consultative approach inherent in female leadership poses a challenge to traditional patriarchal structures. By emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity and shared decision-making, women disrupt the hierarchical power dynamics often associated with patriarchy.?

As female leadership tends to prioritize collaboration, the implementation of checks and balances within a community, including the workplace, becomes more seamless. Patriarchal structures that traditionally concentrate power in an authoritarian "top boss" are threatened by this, however recognizing and valuing distinctive leadership qualities is important if we are serious about fostering more inclusive and effective work environments.

Women deserve the opportunity to lead authentically, contribute diverse perspectives and navigate their professional journey without without facing unfair judgments or biased criticisms. We should not have to bear the additional burden of adopting an (often male) model of leadership to climb the corporate ladder. We must challenge stereotypes and allow women to express ambition without being labeled as aggressive, and to advocate for equal pay without being perceived as ungrateful. Creating a workplace that values and supports authentic leadership regardless of gender is critical? for fostering diversity and breaking free from limiting stereotypes.

Collaborative leadership approach recognizes the strength in collective efforts, undermining the centralization of power typical in patriarchal systems and fostering a more egalitarian and diverse leadership paradigm.?Recognizing the strength in collective efforts, this approach undermines the centralization of power typical in patriarchal systems and fosters a more egalitarian and diverse leadership paradigm. Drawing inspiration from my uneducated and illiterate grandmother, a remarkable leader who raised nine children and managed the household and farm after my grandfather's early passing, I increasingly find wisdom and invaluable lessons in her approach to leadership -?marked by strength, decisiveness, respect, fairness and compassion.

Women should have the opportunity to lead authentically and be free from unfair judgments, biases and stereotypes. They should express ambition without being labeled aggressive and advocate for equal pay without facing accusations of being ungrateful, impatient, etc. Creating inclusive workplaces that value and support authentic leadership, irrespective of gender, is essential for breaking free from stereotypes and fostering inclusion and belonging.

Having worked for less than shoes and bags just for an opportunity, I've witnessed firsthand how women in leadership position mirrored men, including in dress and demeanor, just to try to fit in. Some women leaders I worked for caused harm to other women, fostering insecurity (probably in light of their own) and unhealthy competition (again probably because of their own struggles).

This begs the question: is this a trap set by patriarchy, pushing women against each other? Is a perceived need for a navy suit and a firm fist the predetermined path for women aspiring to the C-suite?

I have observed that men leaders often favor and hire for leadership positions women who mirror their leadership style;? who are "one of them", however not not too knowledgeable and capable as to challenge them. There were instances where a more competent woman was passed for another one who was not too "challenging" of the status quo but happy to work for shoes and purses and "make it to the top". Without any judgement to women before me who had to play games, settle for what they could get and pave the way for future generations,? I do? hope to see more women in leadership positions who support and uplift each other, akin to the community spirit they embody.?

I leave you with these questions that are often on my mind, including in my discussion with my women circles:

1. Is the emulation of traditional male behavior the only path to success for women in leadership, perpetuating a cycle of harshness and discouraging empathy?
2. Do women still need to ask "what's inept with me" when they cannot break through the system, despite education, experience, skills, experience and potential? Isn't it time to stop telling women they have an imposter syndrome, putting emphasis on the need to fix the women and not the system that marginalizes them?
3. Do women need to break free from emulating men and forge a path of support and unity for true progress in leadership?