Sarah Palin and Female Leaders -- The Pointless Magnification of Glass Ceilings

Sarah Palin made a big splash during the Republican National Convention (RNC) on September 3, 2008 as she tore into her Democratic adversaries, Senator's Barack Obama and Joseph Biden. Since that night, she has undergone a different, albeit expected, level of scrutiny; one that has nothing to do with her credentials (good or bad). Instead, she is being judged in pointless ways simply because she is a woman. For if she was a man, her comments would have passed through a different set of filters with more emphasis on the substantive portions of her speech. Governor Palin, consistent with other female executives, must contend with many pointless assessments of their capabilities, simply because they are women. So what does this all mean and why would a "Nice" Guy write about it?

First and for the record, this post has nothing to do with my political position. Rather, it has everything to do with the added scrutiny women must endure as managers, executives and leaders. After just completing my first book, "Nice Guys Can Get The Corner Office - Eight Strategies for Winning in Business Without Being a Jerk", it is my belief, as well as my co-authors, that both men and women struggle with many of the same nice guy syndrome issues. Our goal in the book is to teach these people how to be "Effectively Nice" and in this capacity, virtually all advice is gender neutral.

Yet, our authoring team agreed that women have an additional and distinct set of issues in business and politics. For women, if they are perceived as too aggressive, they are labeled as the "bitch" or in Governor Palin's case, the "Bulldog." Alternatively, if they are too supportive, they are considered overly nurturing. Consequently, finding a balance between assertiveness and niceness is the challenge. The scrutiny being experienced by Governor Palin or even Senator Hillary Clinton after her infamous teary moment in Portsmouth New Hampshire only adds to that challenge. This often places emphasis on the wrong measures for success. In support of this thinking, here are two Nice Guy thoughts to consider:

1. Cast the Female Filter Aside - It is dated and unnecessary to prefix any woman's comments with "if a man had said". Each time this is said or thought, it sets the wrong precedent regarding any woman's capabilities. Instead, assess the person's thinking and commentary independent of gender.
2. Have a Common Set of Success Criteria for Evaluation - One could argue that males are physically stronger than women and because of this, there are gender specific competitions and environments which do exist. However, in all other dimensions, remove any gender specific weightings or biases. Establish a common set of success criteria that is gender neutral.

In the end, we need to judge women by the same yardstick; by their track record and ability to deliver results. This is a better representation of performance so long as it is done in an "Effectively Nice" manner.

Comments

[cylindar]

The track record thing is a myth. Some of our most capable leaders have not had that much or no track record. They made their own tracks and record after the fact.

[Russ Edelman - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Cylindar,

Thanks for commenting on my post. While there is some truth to what you say, I don't believe it is a black and white issue. I've had the opportunity to make many judgement calls in my career based upon track records. I've found that through proper due diligence in vetting the track record, I've been able to discover if it is real or not.

With regard to the issue at hand, my primary concern is that the actions and comments of a woman shouldn't be filtered any differently than that of a man.

Please keep reading/commenting - I have a lot more to share on the subject!

Regards,
Russ

[KillTheMessenger]

HuffPost's Pick

"In the end, we need to judge women by the same yardstick; by their track record and ability to deliver results."

Exactly. The result the Republicans expect Sarah Palin to deliver are horrendous. And that is why they (not just her) need to be stopped.

[Russ Edelman - Huffpost Blogger]

Hey Killer!

Thanks for the comments and glad to see that the point strikes home. I believe many more of the truths behind positions will come out in the debates and I cannot wait for them to begin.

Have a nice night!
Russ

[SeanGardner]

HuffPost's Pick

Your post pretty much confirms that Barack Obama will be the next president.

I am going to buy your book today.

Great post.

[Russ Edelman - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Sean,

Thanks for the comments and your kind words. You can check out the latest TV appearances and radio interviews on the book at www.niceguystrategies.com - Fox News interview this morning!

Regards,
Russ

[Jezreel]

The author does make several well thought out points. However, in my view, the underlying premise is flawed. The assertion that Sarah Palin is being judged in pointless ways simply because she is a woman misses the point. Sarah Palin is being subjected to extraordinary scrutiny because she is an unknown quantity.

According to an article published on HuffPo Mrs. Palin is the least experienced and least known Vice Presidential running mate in modern political history. She has no foreign or national experience and there are no documented position papers expressing her views on the issues.

Mrs. Palin is an unknown quantity and we are being asked to accept her as our next Vice President without vetting her. Mrs. Palin is not an attorney or a legislator. Most members of Congress didn't even know her before 10 days ago. Yet , if John McCain is elected President, she will preside over the Senate.

She and John McCain say they are reformers. She says she is "fighter" who is willing to confront the "old boys club". We've had "fighters" in Washington for too long and they've gotten very few things done. We need leaders with wisdom and diplomacy who can lead by working with others.

Sarah Palin's views on the environment, and feminism are frankly scary. Her record is questionable and she's the subject of an investigation into unethical conduct. If the author wants to blame someone for perceived mistreatment of Sarah Palin she should blame John McCain.

[Russ Edelman - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Jezreel,

Thanks for taking the time to share your thinking. To net it out, I completely agree with you that first and foremost, the scrutiny she is undergoing is as a result of her unknown status. However, the point I was going after was that there was an unnecessary barrage of banter from the news media which picked her apart solely because of the comments coming from a woman. A different issue than the important one you bring up; but an issue that women must face every day in the business and political world.

Cheers,

Russ