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Wherever you stand on political issues, this year the hot topic of the glass ceiling cannot be avoided. From Hillary Clinton to Sarah Palin—the talk around the water cooler is about women in a prominent leadership role.
As a woman who takes on numerous leadership responsibilities, this is a subject of great interest to me. At New Iron, my church, on the speaking circuit: I am a woman who leads. This is how God has wired me, and I enjoy it- it is a part of who I am.
I am not a feminist. In fact, I think the feminist movement has had detrimental effects on our society, on women, and our gender in leadership. After learning the true meaning of submission, I actually enjoy it, and am thankful for it. If Christ loved the church and gave himself for it as an act of submission to the Father, how much more should we take the responsibility of submitting to the authority in our own lives? Great leaders are also great servants. Submission is beneficial when used as it is intended, but that is a whole other entry!
The truth is, women bring an important element to an organization. The positive elements are many, and different based on the women and organizations. Some I notice are image, style, tenacity, discernment, and strength. I believe women can fill key roles in any organization, whether it be ministry, business, or government. God certainly did not forget women when He distributed Spiritual gifts, and the Bible is replete with examples of influential and leading women.
Nancy Bleach clearly articulated this when she said, “no mistake was made in heaven when God gave you a gift of leadership or teaching.” Nancy is an Executive Vice President at the Willow Creek Association, one of our clients.
Here are some interesting statistics from the Center for Women’s Business Research:
• Nearly 10.4 million firms are owned by women. These companies employ more than 12.8 million people, and generate $1.9 trillion in sales.
• For the past two decades, majority women-owned firms have continued to grow at a faster rate than other firms, 42% vs. 24%.
• Women-owned firms, 50% or more owned by women, account for 41% of all privately held firms.
Elizabeth, Mary, Ruth, Sarah, Abigail, Deborah, and Esther are all Biblical examples of women leading well. They are not alone, and they are examples, and substantiation, for all of us ladies who look to lead.