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We Have Come a Long Way, But Is It Good Enough? xv

plan for shaking loose the problem and acting on that plan—and
that’s what this book will help you do. This book looks at the many
ways women hold themselves back. And, in every instance, moving
forward begins with self-awareness.
Strong leaders—women and men—are able to honestly assess
their strengths and weaknesses. They also are very good at knowing
their values and setting goals that support those values. They use this
knowledge to make career decisions and to develop leadership styles
that play up their strengths and compensate for their shortcomings.
Being true to themselves is critical to their success and fulfillment.
This book will illustrate my journey of leadership and how some of
my greatest challenges, that seemed obstacles at the time, became
my greatest leadership moments. They were my opportunities to
learn, grow, and take accountability for my own success and happi-
ness. I am not and will never be perfect, but I learned along the way
that the sticky floors are obstacles and sometimes illusions that we
can overcome. This book will show you several ways to do your own
self-evaluations, to clarify your goals, and to align your goals with
your own strengths and values.
Don’t let self-doubt get the best of you; you have strengths! To
indulge in positive stereotypes for a moment, women are generally
inclined to possess some of the most in-demand traits for leaders
today, such as a collaborative leadership style, creativity, good intu-
ition, an ability to coordinate seemingly disparate ideas, and a focus
on relationships. These are the very things business schools and con-
sulting firms tell us leaders need in order to run today’s organiza-
tions. The opportunity, yet challenge, for many of us is being able to
make that shift within ourselves—to see, believe, and show up with
the powerful leadership gifts that we possess. The time is now and
the world is ready.
But no matter how great your strengths are, critical shortcom-
ings can undermine them and keep you out of the executive suite or