PRESENTERS:CHRISTINA BUCKLESS

BECKY KENEMUTH

JUNE 4, 2010

NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR COLLEGE WOMEN STUDENT

LEADERS

“Uneasy Lies the Head that Wears the Crown”

(King Henry IV, Part II, act 3, scene 1, line 31)

Session Overview

As a result of today’s workshop, you will:

Identify at least 3 personal/emotional challenges related to being a leader.

Articulate WHY these challenges occur.

Develop strategies for overcoming these challenges now and in the future.

Why is leadership so important to women, anyway?

Enhances cognitive and psychological

development.Strengthens practical and interpersonal

competence.Impacts future career success and academic

ability.Provides self-esteem and sense of competence.

It’s “Lonely at the Top” . . .

says research based on professional and business women (research is limited

related to student leadership)

Sure, leadership is GREAT. But. . . . .

Common Challenges for Women Leaders

Hard to find a community of people. People don’t understand the challenges. Limited time for relationships. People assume you are “too busy.” You forget to take care of yourself. Involvement takes priority over academics. Liaison between administration AND students. You make tough and unpopular decisions. People don’t notice that you feel bad/sad/lonely.

Example: Dr. Ding-Jo Hsia Currie

Dr. Ding-Jo Hsia CurriePresident: Coastline Community College

Southern California“We are now being accepted much more than before”

“The advice I always give other leaders is to know yourself”

“But we are still not part of the ‘boys’ network”

“A turning point in my career, in terms of coming to some understanding, appreciation and validation as a woman and woman leader.”

Despite our challenges, we do so much WELL!

Getting people to transform their own self-interest to match the interest of the group using charisma, empowerment, hard work, personal connections.

Involving others and fostering a sense of self-worth. Encouraging involvement and participation. Energizing and exciting people. Communicating and listening. Sharing power and information. Taking risks and trying new ideas.

Overcoming Challenges

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzuChinese philosopher (604 BC - 531 BC)

So, let’s get started . . .

References

Baxter Magolda, M.B. (1992). Knowing and reasoning in college: Gender related patters in students’ intellectual development. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Kuh, G.D. (1993). In their own words: What students learn outside the classroom. American Educational Research Journal, 30(2), 277-304.

Pascarella, E.T. & Terenzini, P.T. (1991). How college affects students. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Ptacek, P.H. (1957). A university’s attempt to counsel student leaders. Columbus: Ohio StateUniversity Press.

Rosener, J.B. (1990). Ways women lead. Harvard Business Review. 68(6), 119-125.

Valdata, P. (November 2006). Lonely at the top. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. 23(20), 28-33.

Whitt, E.J. (1993). “I can be anything!” Student leadership in three women’s colleges. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.