ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights key research findings from survey results from a cross section of women, contextualized by results of in-depth validation interviews with six experienced high-level practitioners with top executive team experience. The research yielded several clear findings. Three were surprising. The extent to which the women surveyed reported extensive experience compensating for leadership gaps was unexpected. Similarly, that women who work for the federal government are least likely to report that they get credit when compensating for leadership gaps was unexpected. Perhaps most surprising, the percentages of women who reported receiving counterproductive gender-based messages on the job were highest in the mid-range age groups. Across the survey and interview responses, there is consensus that women have been and are leading. Many lean in, but may not necessarily be leaning in to designated positions. Many are leading in place and are oftentimes not recognized (or rewarded) for doing so. Our experts validated our results, while pointing out that men, too, lead in place, emphasizing the need to examine the theory across gender lines.
