Women’s lack of confidence in their own leadership skills may be holding them back from top positions in business.
That is a major takeaway from a recent report that found companies with higher percentages of women in executive positions have a stronger financial performance than those where fewer women occupy the corporate suite.
While there are no quantifiable differences in the skills and competencies of men and women, there is a big gap in how the sexes view their own abilities, which prompts more men to pursue promotions that eventually push them to the top, the study found.
“Self-confidence is giving men an upper edge,” said Rich Wellins, senior vice president of DDI International and a co-author of the study. “Women are not as confident going after leadership positions unless they are sure they have everything it takes. Men are more likely to take a risk.”
