The Sexism Card In This Year's Presidential
Race… What Hillary Clinton Will Need To Win: Should She Cry?
Show Her Feelings? Be As Tender As She Is Tough?
Author: Diane Dutton
No one can dispute… this is an historic year for women in
politics. Will presidential frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton
continue to win primaries throughout 2008, perhaps earning the
nomination of her party, and even being elected to the Oval
Office? Is the country really ready for a woman at the top of
the charts and the free world? Is this the right woman for the
"ultimate political CEO position?"
As we all explore whether Hillary will be the first woman to
ascend to the job of U.S. President… it pays to take a look at
the culture and experiences in Corporate America itself. After
all, we know that gender bias exists in all levels of business
and politics, particularly at the top. We can't deny that the
"sexism" card will eventually be played -- whether by Hillary's
opponents, by someone in the private sector, by the media
(intentionally or not) or even by Hillary's camp itself -- to
either discredit this female candidate OR give her a special
advantage at the polls.
While the caucuses and primaries held so far are not
conclusive, the red states and the blue states face history's
first true test of sending a woman to the White House (as
something other than first lady!). What does the pulse of the
country say about Hillary as the first woman president?
Let's also review the approach a woman must take to break the
world's most prestigious Glass Ceiling, and how corporate
American interprets the "rules" involved. Can all this be
applied to Hillary and her history-making candidacy?
First of all, we must examine the candidate's style, look,
voice, approach, body language, attire, image and positioning.
Even men in power must be conscious of these key elements. But a
woman -- especially in this new arena of power -- will be
attracting even more scrutiny. As a force like Hillary Clinton
reveals her leadership strengths vs. limitations, she will need
to:
* Attract and impress both Wall Street and Main Street.
* Demonstrate her softer side. That might very well include
refining her sense of humor, along with a persona that freely
shows feelings, emotions and caring -- perhaps revealing tears.
* Continue to stack up against the big boys. Gaining
credibility as a landslide-elected U.S. Senator in the nation's
most populous state is a giant stepping stone she has already
achieved.
* Balance her unique circumstances as the outspoken spouse of a
recent president, aligning herself with his triumphs and
distancing herself from his mistakes and image troubles.
* Rely on the thick skin she has developed after decades in
public and political life. After all, shards from that glass
ceiling (not to mention her detractors' criticisms) could more
than sting.
Breaking the Glass Ceiling of the White House is going to take
a powerful, magnetic, yet warm personality. It is going to be a
woman who can show leadership like John Kennedy and heart like
Ronald Reagan. Who decides if Hillary is the one? The American
voter will -- let's help them decide.
About The Author: Diane Dutton, author of A WOMAN'S LADDER TO
SUCCESS IS PAVED WITH BROKEN GLASS CEILINGS, has appeared on
dozens of shows nationwide. Reach her for interviews and
speaking engagements: 702-683-9893,
ddutton@businesswomenspeak.com and sign up for her free
newsletter at http://www.businesswomenspeak
