Here is the scary reality. Most girls do not want to be leaders.

RESEARCH INDICATES MOST GIRLS DEFINE LEADERSHIP AND BRAVERY AS SOMETHING ‘HEROIC.’ IN FACT, ONLY 1/3 OF MIDDLE-SCHOOL GIRLS TODAY BELIEVE THEY CAN BE A LEADER.THE NUMBERS GO DOWN AS THEY GET OLDER.  

UNFORTUNATELY, THE DATA PROVES GIRLS HAVE AN UPHILL BATTLE. RESEARCH PROVES:

-Girls pride themselves on perfectionism and, therefore, avoid taking risks that could help them grow. 

-They hate conflict, so they do not end up practicing self-advocacy or communicating during difficult conversations. 

-To avoid being labeled "bossy" they turn away from leadership roles.

ON TOP OF THESE INTERNAL ROADBLOCKS, GIRLS FEEL SOCIETY'S TRIPLE BIND:

-Be confident, but not conceited

-Be smart, but no one likes a know-it-all

-Ambition is good, but trying too hard is bad

-Be assertive, but only if it does not upset anyone else.

My Guest today is Laura Clydesdale 

Her goal is to shed light on these issues that affect girls so heavily. Of course, helping her daughter navigate these tough issues is her top priority, but by chronicling their journey, she  also strives to help other girls along the way.

Laura writes, her daughter approves, they post.  She is the bravest person she knows.