). Lever suggests that sexist ideas, among both women and men, come from "omnipresent cultural messages" (Hally Z.). These messages suggest that women are excellent caregivers, but that men are good leaders. As such, "any woman stepping out of her area of expertise, such as by taking on the job of manager, president, or CEO, is viewed with suspicion" (Hally Z.).

To overcome the perception that women are not good leaders, they must often take on, and even exaggerate, masculine traits like toughness and selfishness. For example, Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister, was often seen as tougher than many of her male counterparts. Since masculine traits are seen as unnatural for women, women who are tough and assertive are often seen as "*****y" or emasculating. Unfortunately, women leaders who choose not to be tough or assertive are seen as weak or ineffective (Hally Z.) as a result, women leaders...
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