The Science of Women’s Leadership | Alexis Kanda-Olmstead | TEDxCSU

Summary

In this insightful talk, the speaker challenges traditional mind models surrounding leadership, particularly the stereotype that equates leadership with masculinity. Through personal anecdotes and compelling statistics, she illustrates the internal and external barriers women face in leadership roles. Despite demonstrating strong leadership skills, many women struggle with self-efficacy, while men often overestimate their abilities. The speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal values and taking courageous actions to overcome fear and stereotype threat. She calls for both men and women to support each other in creating an inclusive environment where women can recognize and embrace their leadership potential.

Takeaways

• 😀 Riddle: A father and son are in a car crash; the surgeon is the boy's mother, highlighting societal biases about gender roles.
• 😀 Only 14% of college students correctly identified the surgeon as a woman, showcasing the power of ingrained mind models.
• 😀 Women report using leadership skills more than men, yet their belief in their leadership capabilities is significantly lower.
• 😀 The concept of 'leader efficacy' shows that women feel less confident in leadership roles compared to men.
• 😀 Gender biases and stereotypes create psychological barriers for women in leadership, leading to fear and hesitation.
• 😀 The speaker's personal journey in sports illustrates the dissonance women experience between being recognized as leaders and feeling qualified.
• 😀 Societal models of leadership are predominantly male-centric, affecting women's self-perception and aspirations.
• 😀 To counteract stereotype threats, individuals should focus on their core values as a protective mechanism.
• 😀 Taking small, courageous actions can help women build confidence and challenge societal norms in leadership.
• 😀 The ultimate goal is to recognize and embrace women's leadership potential, promoting gender equality in leadership roles.

Q & A

What is the main riddle presented in the talk?

The riddle describes a scenario where a father and son are in a car crash. The father dies, and when the son is taken to surgery, the surgeon says, 'I can't operate on this boy; he is my son.' The answer is that the surgeon is the boy's mother.

What does the speaker suggest about societal perceptions of doctors and surgeons?

The speaker indicates that societal mind models often associate doctors and surgeons with being male, which contributes to misconceptions and biases.

What was the surprising statistic about women's leadership skills reported in the multi-institutional study of leadership?

The study revealed that women reported participating in leadership skills and activities at a higher rate than male students, yet they had lower self-belief in their leadership efficacy.

What is 'leader efficacy,' and why is it significant?

'Leader efficacy' refers to the belief in one's ability to succeed as a leader. It is significant because it influences whether individuals pursue leadership positions and persist through challenges.

How does the speaker relate her experience as a young soccer player to leadership?

The speaker recounts a moment when she was recognized for her leadership on the soccer field despite not feeling like a leader due to gendered perceptions of leadership.

What are some stereotypes that women face in leadership roles?

Women are often stereotyped as less intelligent, overly emotional, or too soft, while female leaders may be seen as pushy or aggressive, creating a challenging dichotomy.

What are the two strategies the speaker recommends for overcoming fears in leadership?

The speaker recommends focusing on personal values as an identity shield and taking small, brave actions to gradually build confidence in leadership.

What is stereotype threat, and how does it affect women?

Stereotype threat refers to the fear of confirming negative stereotypes about one's identity, which can lead to anxiety and decreased performance in leadership situations.

What does the speaker mean by saying the conversation about leadership is not about men versus women?

The speaker emphasizes that the conversation should focus on diversity, inclusion, and equality in leadership rather than pitting men against women, advocating for mutual support in achieving these goals.

How does the speaker propose to change perceptions of women's leadership?

The speaker proposes educating women about their leadership capabilities, encouraging them to embrace their values, and fostering an environment where both men and women support female leaders.