I've been keeping up with Gifted for Leadership - a great blog for Christian women leaders. Last week Amy Simpson posted the Top 10 blog posts for 2008. I read some of those articles with fascination. Anyone who believes in the value of women leaders would love most of these pieces. I especially enjoyed the article, "Is the Church Ready for Iron Ladies?" Here's an excerpt:
Research studies indicate that it is difficult for a woman to be
perceived as both a lady and an effective leader. Both men and women
expect women to be “warm, caring, selfless, and nice” while they expect
leaders to be “assertive, direct, and competent.” When women display
the desirable leadership traits—confident in their competency,
assertive, and bold—they cease to be viewed as “warm and caring” and
are instead perceived as “tough, domineering, relentless, or brutal.”
In political circles, these women are called “Iron Ladies.”
Halee Gray Scott's article talks about the first Iron Lady that Halee had ever known - her grandmother. I resonated with this piece because my own Grandma Pierce was also such an Iron Lady. As her young grandson I knew her warm and caring side. But I also saw her confidence, assertiveness and especially her boldness. Without question she had much to do with who I am today. To this day I keep her picture near me always. Thanks Grandma Pierce for being an Iron Lady before my eyes. I know much about leadership... and about the value of a strong woman... from my early years with you! I miss you so much.
