Breaking Through Glass Ceilings and Going Beyond Glass Doors to Embrace the New Face of Leadership
Breaking Through Glass Ceilings and Going Beyond Glass Doors to Embrace the New Face of Leadership
Titania Baggett | 2023
Abstract
An ongoing dispute that has baffled the Christian Community and industries worldwide is whether women can lead effectively. There is an old misconception associated with women and leadership when individuals read 1 Timothy 2:12 (NIV). Not only has this myth bewildered the Christian Community for decades, but in the United States, some organizations stand firm in their belief that women in leadership roles are less effective and respected than their male counterparts. However, women like Pheobe, Priscilla, Ruth, and others held pivotal leadership roles in the Bible, which dispelled the false ideas that women are not competent to lead. For centuries, God has raised a new generation of leaders who challenge the old way of conceptualizing effective leadership, such as a charismatic male riding in on a horse to save the day. The image of leaders has evolved and is not gender-specific; instead, it is a person who effectively guides others to achieve a common goal.
In 2017, women in leadership comprised slightly over 50% of the United States labor force and were labeled head of household in over 40% of homes (Chisholm-Burns et al., 2017). Despite these statistics, selected individuals still feel women must embrace more traditional domesticated roles and leave the workforce behind. This one-day workshop is designed to educate individuals and industries throughout the United States on women’s ability to lead effectively. It consists of eight modules, sixteen videos, and four activities strategically placed throughout the presentation. The modules delve into the following content: the foundations of leadership and disparity among female leaders compared to male counterparts, the educated woman, women as leaders, obstacles women face, common stereotypes of women in leadership, lessons learned from women in leadership, breaking through the glass ceilings and going beyond glass doors, and leading with a purpose. The resources for this workshop include an instructor training manual, a PowerPoint presentation with instructor notes, and activities for attendees.