Why more of our girls aren’t in leadership roles?

You throw like a girl

Girls are bad at math

Women belong in the kitchen

A woman can’t be president because they’re too emotional

These are just some of the unsavory and misguided words that come out of people’s mouths. I’ve not only heard these things from men but I’ve heard them from women as well.

It’s no secret, we live in a patriarchal society and although women and girls are making huge strides we still have a journey ahead of us.

These gender biases hurt leadership potential in girls. When she hears that she doesn’t throw well,  she shouldn’t be good at math, and she can’t be the president it sets a low standard. So it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy that never had to occur in the first place.

So how can your daughter completely trample over these biases?

1. Expose her to different kinds of careers early. Everything from personal chef to architect. Let her know that nothing is beyond her grasp.

2. Reframe any self-deprecating speech she may have. Girls and women have a terrible habit of verbally ripping themselves to shreds to make others feel comfortable around them. Your daughter has the right to stand tall and to make her glorious presence known.

3. Challenge her. Sometimes she may feel like she can’t do something and she may want to give up. Encourage her to follow through and give her the resources she may need to be successful. Show her how to be resourceful and resilient.

4. Teach her how to negotiate. Also, don’t punish her for trying to negotiate. It can be tempting to use the “my way or the highway” approach but that stifles their ability to go back to the drawing board and to come up with an option that can work for the both of These are necessary skills your daughter will need in order to be a leader in the workplace or in her own business.

5. Find her a mentor. I’m sure you set an amazing example for your daughter, but a mentor can be invaluable. This person can be someone you trust and accomplished in an area your daughter is interested in. If you don’t know of anyone personally there are people you can hire. Invest in her and show her that her growth is worth the effort.