How Women Lead: The 8 Essential Strategies Successful Women Know

INTRODUCTIONThe New World of Women’s Leadership

Sharon’s Story

I still remember the instant I recognized that, as a woman, I was bringing a different perspective to the workplace, and that what I brought was valuable, insightful, and made a difference. It was the mid-1970s, and I was a second line manager in IBM’s Federal Systems Division.

To put the situation in perspective so you will understand why this was such an epiphany and such a risk for me, I have to describe the times. In those days, women managers were a rarity. There were two or three women in senior manager positions in my division— mostly in the technical areas—and none to whom I reported.

My only role models up to that point in my career had been men. I had been one of only two ...