Playing from the Blue Tees: Women in the Federal Government

Throughout the past decade, workplace diversity issues have allowed organizations to adjust their policies in response to the need for workplace equality in all aspects. As a result of the dynamic political, social and economic changes, some companies have willingly become more inclusive, integrating women, people of color, gays/lesbians, and individuals with disabilities into their workforce at all levels of their organizations. However, others have failed to make this paradigm shift. The Federal government has failed to see the benefits of a diverse workforce, which is evident by the lack of diversity of the people it serves. Research by the Center for Creative Leadership (2002), show women in business have been required to adapt to a well established hierarchal system built around the strengths of its majority of male players. As women have entered the workplace, they initially try to create only a modest variant in a male dominated workplace. Gender diversity could be very beneficial to the Federal government, causing greater creativity in group decision-making and improved task performance.

Leadership is usually considered to be predominantly a male prerogative in corporate, political, military, and other sectors of our society. This might explain why, although women have gained increased access to supervisory and middle management positions, they remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Throughout history, women have been contributors to society, helped shaped America, and exercised their power and their abilities through various interests. But the recognition as leaders is still slow to come.

Women are still confronted by an invisible barrier preventing their rise into leadership ranks the "glass ceiling." However, studies indicate that women are inching through the glass ceiling that has prevented them from attaining leadership positions. When we look at the surveys and research, women seem to have progressed in the last couple of years in terms of management positions. The caveat however is, women who achieve these positions are usually placed under closer scrutiny and their evaluation is not always positive. While studies propose that women are likely to receive positive evaluations when their leadership roles are defined in feminine terms, on traditional, masculine measures of leadership, women's leadership is often perceived to be lower than their male counterparts.

Some women have developed strategies for overcoming workplace barriers to career advancement and achieved senior positions. While these barriers do not restrict the careers of all women that they impact, a significant number is evident from the poor representation of women at senior levels. The limited number of women reaching the highest positions in the government indicates that further attention to overcoming these barriers in the future is necessary.

Ms. Lewis is President and CEO of The Deline Institute for Professional Development, a training organization that provides workshops and seminars geared toward professional businesswomen. Ms. Lewis is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana. She is an Adjunct Professor at National-Louis University, where she teaches Human Resource Management. Ms. Lewis has conducted training for the Federal government on Diversity, as well as EEO regulations and guidelines. Ms. Lewis is a certified trainer with the Professional Women Network, specializing in the area of Diversity with an emphasis in Women's Issues. Ms. Lewis is a member of the Professional Woman Network and Professional Woman Speakers Bureau; the National Association of Female Executives; The African American Federal Executive Association and Federally Employed Women. Ms. Lewis' knowledge of business and professionalism is supported by 21 years of work experience in the military and 18 years of continuous work experience as a civilian with the Federal government.

---

Q & A How to Find a Great Search Firm

Q & AQ: Are people sometimes cautious of 'headhunters'?A. Yes.... Read More

How to Insure Job Security

The attorneys I coach have one common problem. They don't... Read More

Importance Of Your Job Search

So that you can decide just how critical your job... Read More

The Interview - A Few Tips for Making a Great First Impression

Searching for employment is one of the most nerve-racking activities... Read More

A Workplace Romance Can Be Detrimental to Your Career

Over 70% of single employees will become romantically involved with... Read More

Reinvent Your Career In Five Simple Steps

The phrase "reinventing yourself" seems to be popping up all... Read More

5 Things You Need To Know Before Deciding On A Certification Training

The right certification trainingTrainings vary a lot when it comes... Read More

Rejection Got You Down in the Job Search?

REJECTION IN THE JOB SEARCHGOT YOU DOWN?It's true, no one... Read More

Are You Ready For A New Career?

Is your current or most recent job truly what you... Read More

Job Offer Negotiations: Getting What You Want

You have worked hard at finding your next job. You... Read More

Switching Careers - 7 Key Steps

Are you thinking about switching careers? If you are, you're... Read More

Pre-Interview Web Research

You have obtained an interview -- congratulations! You feel prepared... Read More

The Big Mo : Momentum and the Hiring Process

Momentum as defined by Webster's is: strength or force gained... Read More

Your Resume is Just One of the Tools in Your Job Search

A resume is a tool. It allows employers to see... Read More

10 Steps to Escape the Job World and Create the Life You Really Want

1. GET THE POINT ? OF LIFE, THAT IS.... Read More

5 Steps to a New Job

The economy is picking up, budgets are new, positions are... Read More

Make The Right Career Move

It is not realistic for HR Managers to believe that... Read More

Successful Job Search: 10 Steps To Quickly Acquire Your Dream Job And Put More Money In Your Pocket

Do you want to continue your costly, time-consuming and exhausting... Read More

How to Crash - Proof Your Job Search

Think you have the speed, endurance, and know-how to fix... Read More

How to Write a Simple Job Description

1.0 A timely reminderIn a recent decision in a New... Read More

Three Tips for Successful Networking

I generally shy away from using the word "networking" when... Read More

Passing The Police Test Just Became Easier

You've taken the police officer selection test or law enforcement... Read More

Do What You Love, Love What You Do

Everyone dreams of a life full of love and adventure.... Read More

Why Become A Truck Driver?

There are a great number of good reasons for someone... Read More

Dissatisfied With Your Job? Stop Believing The Myths!

If you are dissatisfied with your job, you are in... Read More

What To Do When You Get Caught Surfing By The Boss!

It has been a long morning and you need a... Read More

Troubleshooting Your Job Search

OK. You've posted your resume online. You've sent out a... Read More

Bringing Our Family to Work

Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More

Federal Job Search Strategies: 7 Tips to Help You Succeed

Despite constant calls by politicians and policy makers to reign... Read More

Are You Suited for Self-employment?

A recent poll conducted by Yahoo! Small Business showed that... Read More

Job Interviews: Succeeding With Panel Interviews

These days, job interviews often consist of a panel of... Read More

Experience Hear-See-Do

Research indicates that we retain only 10% of what we... Read More

History Reports: When Your Resume Equals, I Did This, I Did This, I Did This

Do these sound familiar?"I worked for?" "My responsibilities were?"... Read More