Closing the Leadership Gap: Why Women Can and Must Help Run the World

by Marie C. Wilson

Insightful and inspiring, Closing the Leadership Gap is a call to action for the increased presence of women in powerful leadership positions in our country. A leading women’s advocate and cofounder of the White House Project, Marie C. Wilson argues that while our nation sits on a world spinning with crises from terrorism and weapons of mass destruction to a fragile economy and corporate greed, half of its natural resources—women—have not been tapped for their uniquely valuable contribution to solving these problems that only they can provide.

Rich with historical context and supported by a wealth of current data and innovative research, this book explains chapter by chapter the leadership gap between women and men and the deeply ingrained cultural factors that continue to create resistance to women at the top. It also explores the new insights and strategies women are using to leverage their power of authority, ambition, ability, and authenticity—have been denied women and how they are claiming these vital qualities for themselves. Written with passion and documented with lively behind-the-scenes stories from the trenches, Closing the Leadership Gap argues for women’s leadership in all spheres and offers steps to get us there.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Feminism, Leadership

208 pages, Hardcover

First published March 8, 2004

Reviews

[Victoria]

Here's what I learned:

The Scarlet Letters of the now:
- Authority
- Ambition
- Ability
- Authenticity

Women have all of these characteristics, but they are only seen as desirable when a man has them (just as Hester Prynne's adultery was frowned upon, while the man she earned the letter for was able to remain free of conviction). Still, we should maintain these features. Do not succumb to patriarchal expectations and become a pushover.

But...

Women are naturally more compromising, nurturing, and collaborative than men. This doesn't make us soft, and these aren't things to turn away from. Instead, we should embrace these traits because they actually make us better politicians, negotiators, employees, and leaders.

How do we balance these two? We become "hard as nails, but warm as toast." This was a bit of a joke in the book, but I do think it is a good way to understand how women lead -- we must be assertive and strong, but also lead with our hearts, with compassion, and with cooperation. Use the traits that may be brushed off as "too feminine" to our advantage.

I really liked this. (I finished it in one day.) My only qualm is that it's a bit outdated, but that's not really the book's fault. Also, I didn't even notice, but the copy I picked up from my University is actually signed. Pretty cool!

[Ren Morton]

I really enjoyed this book. I started reading it because I was at a low point in my job search and starting to question my own worth and abilities. This book reminded me of all the great women who have come before me and are working along side me to open more and more opportunity, and that the only thing I need to join that action is ambition. It's also an amazing source of women to admire and follow for inspiration, of companies run by women, or organizations founded by women, and of research banks for women's agenda. It made me sad that, even as a women's studies major, I didn't know about these resources and that as a woman I didn't know these names. Was truly inspiring and just what I needed to get back to work making our community work for everyone. And now I feel I have a community of women cheering me on.

[Erin Beam]

This is the foundation for working women's confidence - its easy style will confirm what you've always known about women's innate leadership strengths. For those new to the feminist movement or wanting a good refresher, it will inspire you anew to root for women in positions of leadership, to criticize their feminine characteristics less harshly, and to open your eyes to the revolution women in top ranks compel.

[Becky]

I just read this for school. I get it, more women need to be in power. But what everyone seems to be foregoing here is that women leaders can be just as evil and imperialist as men, sometimes more so if they've got something to prove (e.g., Thatcher). I have a feeling it's going to be a long semester.

[Kathryn McKendry]

I felt this could have given more tips on what we can do. I felt too often she repeated how women are taken for granted as being just wives; but it was inspirational to hear what some of the women accomplished.

[Tonia]

AWESOME! Not at all a feminist rant, but an inspired, frank look at females in leadership.

[Colleen]

Very good and inspiring.

[Christine]

A few good points, but mostly anecdotal observations it seemed. But it raised my awareness to traits and behaviors and how they can be viewed.