Although women are increasingly securing leadership positions, there are still many myths regarding their ability to succeed in these roles. These misconceptions are not only incorrect, but they often influence the decisions of hiring managers, and they may even prevent women from seeking advancement.

Based on my years of experience helping women secure leadership positions, I’m dispelling the top four myths about women in these roles:

1. Women are too emotional to lead

It’s often said that women’s emotions get in the way of their ability to lead, or prevent them from making shrewd business decisions. Not only is this untrue, but it diminishes some of the gifts that women innately have.

First, we shouldn’t treat “emotions” as a dirty word in the business world. In fact, emotional intelligence is key in business. It can help those in leadership positions cater to their team members’ strengths, better understand consumer buying behavior, improve business relationships, and so much more.

Many women have a natural ability to tap into their empathy and harness their emotional intelligence. I believe women are an asset in business because of their depth of emotion.

2. Women are “catty”

As an executive coach, I’ve been helping women secure leadership positions for quite some time. And one thing I’ve learned is that the majority of women are very willing to help others succeed, especially in mentor/mentee relationships.

While there will always be office politics and favoritism, women are usually no more catty than men are in the workplace. The best way for us to continue to prove this myth wrong is by supporting our female colleagues and celebrating their accomplishments.

3. Women lack drive and ambition

Many women in leadership positions have overcome a number of obstacles to get where they are today. For women of color, these obstacles may be compounded by institutionalized racism and socioeconomic factors.

As a result, the women you see in leadership roles have likely relied on their grit, determination, and ambition to overcome the many challenges thrown their way. The women I’ve coached are some of the most tenacious, ambitious people you’ll encounter in the workplace.

This myth likely has roots in the misconception that all women want to start a family one day and have children. While this is very much a goal for some women, others are happy to prioritize their career.

Even with children and a family, this doesn’t take away the ambition of a woman who truly wants to succeed in her career. In fact, recent data shows that over 76% of working women have children between the ages of 6-17. Likewise, shifting gender dynamics mean that men are taking on more household duties so that women can focus on their careers.

4. Gender equality only benefits women

This long-held belief has been pretty damaging in the workplace. The truth is that equality for women benefits the entire workplace, and society, as a whole. Bringing more women into leadership roles means more diverse voices. As a result, decision-making at the top reflects a wider scope of interests and needs.

For example, a diversity report by McKinsey found that companies with high levels of gender and racial diversity are 15% - 35% more likely to be more profitable than the national average for their industry. The data is clear: equality for women in the workplace benefits everyone.

If you’re interested in helping women secure leadership positions at your company, I’d love to assist. Moulton Executive Coaching offers individual coaching, group coaching, and a variety of corporate services, such as HR and diversity training. Reach out today to get started.