Lena Koya - Women in Positions of Leadership

Published in 2018 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

29 East 21st Street, New York, NY 10010

Copyright 2018 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewer.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Koya, Lena, author. | Furstinger, Nancy, author.

Title: Women in positions of leadership / Lena Koya and Nancy Furstinger. Description: New York : Rosen Publishing, 2018. | Series: Women in the world | Includes bibliographical references and index. | Audience: Grades 7-12. Identifiers: LCCN 2017017479 | ISBN 9781508177166 (library bound) | ISBN 9781508178590 (paperback)

Subjects: LCSH: Leadership in women.

Classification: LCC HQ1236 .K694 2018 | DDC 303.3/4082dc23 LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2017017479

Manufactured in the United States of America

INTRODUCTION

T oday, women are making history as leaders in the corporate world, politics, and beyond. But women have always taken on leadership roles that have changed our world for the better. I And yet often their accomplishments have been downplayed or ignored and the spotlight has instead focused on mens achievements.

In many societies across the world, women are seen as displaying fewer leadership qualities than men. This is because women are often encouraged in these societies to be more demure and less assertive, while men are encouraged to take on more leadership characteristics. These messages that society sends girls and young women can be damaging. They tell them that they will struggle to become the heads of companies or one day dream of becoming the leaders of their countries. These messages are not only damaging, but they are untrue. In fact, innate leadership abilities are not dependent on ones gender or biological sex. And, even if someone is not born with some of these typical leadership qualities, they can be developed. This book will show teens how.

Even if someone is not born with typical leadership qualities, leadership characteristics such as confidence and assertiveness can be developed.

Leadership abilities, such as extroversion, charisma, and assertiveness, can be developed through participating in extracurricular activities, team sports, or community volunteering. Confidence can be developed in these activities, which can be key to taking on future leadership positions. Young women can also be encouraged to develop their communication skills and interpersonal skills to draw people togethera key component of leadership ability.

But developing leadership skills is also about looking to role models. Emulating female leaders who have successfully reached the summit of their careers is a great way to put oneself on the path. These women trailblazers have paved the way for other generations of women to follow their lead. Its also a good idea to look a bit closer to home for role models. Young women can look to the older women in their own lives as mentors, and seek them out for advice about balancing their career and personal lives, managing teams, and seeking out the promotions and pay that they deserve.

Leaders are not all born or made. They do not all follow a particular management style, and they do not have to be extroverted or aggressive. But good leaders know the value of teamwork, communication, and listening. Good leaders know that it is not all about them, but about the people who will carry out their vision. They know that it is ultimately about not only themselves, but about the people with whom they surround themselves.

This book provides guidance for young women to build their own communities of leadership. It offers steps to develop leadership traits and advice for young women looking to become entrepreneurs, politicians, or take on any other leadership role. Perhaps most importantly, it points young women in the direction of past and potential female role models and mentors. Nothing would be possible for any aspiring young leader without them.

P eople define leadership in different ways. Leadership can mean someone who is willing to take the reins of a group and direct people toward a common goal. It can mean being confident and charismatic and creating a following among people. It can also mean being a good listener and understanding what your team needs to achieve its best. With all of these definitions, leadership always involves bringing people together to work toward a common goaland not necessarily just being in charge.

Perhaps - youve heard the saying, Great leaders are made, not born. According to an article in Psychology Today, leadership is about one-third born and two-thirds made. Successful leadership can be developed. Although we are all born with the potential to lead, leadership traits require practice to develop, just like anything in life.

Leadership can mean many different things to different people. However, the goal of leadership is to bring different people together toward a common goal.

However, leadership isnt taught in school. Rather, it takes place by studying the behavior of healthy role models and practicing it on ones own. This is good news for young women who aspire to achieve positions of leadership.

Some qualities that are inherent in a persons nature can be connected with leadership. Of course, it doesnt hurt to be born with the right stuff-. Naturally, successful leaders must be smart. However, they are not necessarily the brainy types who get straight As. Instead, social intelligence, or the ability to form rewarding relationships with people, is equally if not more important. Another hallmark of leadership is the willingness to take calculated risks. Leaders who are naturally confident and assertive are usually unafraid to take necessary chances, such as going for the basketball team tryouts, to achieve their goals.

Many of these self-assured individuals are extroverts, or people who thrive on social interaction. However, introverts can also find success in leadership positions. Remember, two-thirds of leadership is made, not born. With the desire and will, anyone can grab the leadership reins to overcome any challenges they may have.

Successful leaders possess a certain set of skills that most other people lack. They are charismatic and creative. They can manage time and people well. They are ambitious and determined, yet ethical and respectful.

Effective leaders have a clear sense of direction. They analyze situations before making decisions and attempting to solve conflicts. They are flexible, with the ability to see alternative points of view, yet are disciplined when called for. They demonstrate a zest for change.