Gender Bias: Does Leadership See It?

Being a team player is undoubtedly a valuable characteristic, especially in business. But what if you’re the boss?

“I think the way to be most successful is to be collaborative,” Molly Maid president, Meg Roberts tells PINK. She believes this is an important principle to consider when reflecting on gender equality in the office.

“Women want equal treatment, so we should foster that in the workplace.”

Roberts says her gender is largely irrelevant in her business life. “I’m sort of done talking about whether or not women are equal in the workplace.”

While, she acknowledges that there is still much progress to be made in terms of equality, Roberts believes that personality types should be more of a focus than gender.

“Some people are much more inclined to be assertive and lead than others and that is not gender specific.”

A proud mom, former ad woman and committed team player, Roberts did not envision herself as the president of a multi-million dollar company. But, not because she didn’t think she was capable, rather she always preferred to be part of a team.

“I perceived being the president, or the boss, as something that’s very exclusive,” she says.

But, Roberts has experienced quite the opposite as the top woman at Molly Maid. She credits her success as president to the team-oriented atmosphere she’s created with her employees.

“To be a good leader. You have to be a team player,” she says, not of a certain gender.

PINK Minute Mentor: Want to invest wisely? Here are three tips in this PINK Minute Mentor video.

Comment: What quality do you think is most essential to strong leadership?

BONUS PINK Link: Women only hold 24 percent of STEM positions, on account of choice rather than ability. Here’s why.

By Kristen Ellingbone

“There are very few jobs that actually require a penis or a vagina. All other jobs should be open to everybody.” Florynce Kennedy

Photo credit: Molly Maid