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June 18, 2021

Women don't want to be on top

Started from the bottom now we're here.

Unlike the lyrics in Drake's chart-topping hip-hop song, Canadian women are choosing not to be at the top when it comes to their careers.

According to a new survey by the Zeno Group, only 18 per cent of women polled aspire to be the number one leader in a large organization (six per cent) or their own company (12 per cent).

While 20 per cent want to be among the head honchos, another 38 per cent would rather do great, rewarding or interesting work and are not interested in taking a leadership role.

The survey also revealed that almost one in 10 women are more interested in utilizing their creativity working independently or with a small team of like-minded individuals.

Cynthia Zamaria, Managing Director, Zeno Canada, says, "This is a wake-up call for those looking to attract more women to senior roles.

"Those best-suited to lead are looking at a number of career paths and they don't all lead to the corner office."

The study also looked into what seems to be holding women back from taking a leading role in the workplace.

It discovered a majority (87 per cent) believe women leaders have to make more personal sacrifices than their male counterparts.

And most agree that in order to be in a leadership role, women have to make important sacrifices when it comes to raising a family.

However, 54 per cent say they are willing to make some sacrifices in their personal life in order to achieve professional success.

And another 42 per cent, feel that the sacrifices women leaders have to make just aren't worth it.

The obstacles cited in the report for women not furthering their professional careers include: the inability to balance their professional goals with being a parent (24 per cent); lack of self-confidence (19 per cent); lack of role models (10 per cent); lack of skills and/or education (10 per cent); and discrimination (seven per cent).

The new data gathered suggests that decision-makers and advocates need to come up with creative ways to develop, recruit and retain talent.

By Donna Donaldson, MSN Money

Do you feel there are barriers to women attaining success in leadership roles? What do you think can be done to make a difference? 

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Gordon PowersGordon Powers

A long-time fund company executive, Gordon Powers now heads up the Affinity Group, a financial services consulting firm. Gordon was a personal finance columnist for the Globe & Mail for many years, has taught retirement planning...