From the B-word to successful leader: How women can navigate the double bind

Women get feedback that overlooks their technical expertise and ignores their positive impact on business outcomes. Instead, women are told – more than twice as much as men are – that they have an aggressive communication style. While men are applauded for being assertive, driving, independent and self-confident; women demonstrating those same leadership qualities are labeled “pushy,” “brusque,” “overbearing” and worse. This is the famous “double bind” that women in leadership face. A woman needs these traits to lead – but if she has them, she drives away potential followers, and ultimately, is not allowed to succeed.

You're damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Read the article