Press Releases

For Immediate Release
Contact: Molly D. Shepard
610.660.6684

Overcoming Obstacles in the Workplace

Molly D. Shepard, Principal of The Leader’s Edge™, recently held a Leadership Workshop for 65 senior women in the Philadelphia region in which the discussion centered on obstacles faced by executive women in the workplace, and possible remedies to those obstacles.

The obstacles cited by members of the group included the following:

• Sexism in the form of "The Old Boy’s Network"
• Reluctance to promote oneself within the organization
• Women not providing the needed support for other women
• Early socialization in which men are "team" oriented
• Conflicting priorities in balancing family, work and self
• Limited mentoring opportunities due to few high level women
• Societal double standards in perceptions about family responsibilities
• Lack of female role models in the business world
• Values not compatible with those of the corporate culture
• A fear of success

The group participants offered a number of approaches to remedy the workplace barriers:

• Provide girls with the same opportunities as boys (sports etc.) as they are growing and developing
• Join together to help middle-management women move up organizationally, and junior women to learn
• Become involved in community activities and work up to Board positions and leadership roles on those Boards
• Be focused and clear about career goals
• Speak up on issues without being intimidated
• Create women’s networks and help others through mentoring
• Utilize technology to help in balancing home and work
• Create organizational depth so that absences such as maternity leave can be accomplished more smoothly

According to group leader Shepard, "Though our participants were in strong agreement that there were many hurdles for women in corporate America, they were quick to offer possible solutions and alliances to overcome these obstacles."