Raising the Next Generation of Women in a #YesAllWomen World

A male executive's view on #YesAllWomen

The recent #YesAllWomen shakeup has had me pondering the lessons I want to be sure my daughter understands as she enters her final year of high school. She already has great women leaders to look up to, as people like Amy Vernon have told their #YesAllWomen story, as has my own wife.As an employer with a company mostly led and run by women (AGBeat.com & Realuoso.com), I refuse to be anything short of a good example for my daughter, rather than simply reciting empty platitudes for her. I want her to naturally excel regardless of her gender, and I pray that she refuses the constraints of a glass ceiling (real or perceived). So again, I attempt to lead by example.

Leading by example

Which brings me to one of my favorite stories.

It is said that over 200 years ago, on an American battlefield, weary soldiers were struggling to quickly dig a trench when a civilian rode past the men on his horse. The man heard the section leader screaming orders and threatening punishment if the trench wasn’t completed within the hour.The man on the horse circled back and asked the section leader why he wasn’t digging alongside his exhausted soldiers.“I am the leader in charge. These men do as I order them to do,” adding, “if you feel so strongly about it, why don’t you help them yourself?”The section leader was taken aback when the civilian dismounted and began digging, helping the men until the trench was completed.He then congratulated the men on a job well done, brushed himself off, and told the section leader, “You should notify top command next time your rank prevents you from supporting your men, so that I may provide a more permanent solution.”Confused, the section leader stared at the man’s face, finally realizing that up close, this was General Washington.

War, no war; hashtag, no hashtag, this is how I choose to lead

Some say the story about the trench is a myth, but let’s say it’s not. It proves my point exactly. Some criticize #YesAllWomen hashtag users as whiners, and there certainly are some ridiculous tweets that may or may not be jokes (like this tweet, and others like this), but most are legitimate points about the modern woman’s struggle, one I don’t wish upon my daughter.Rather than be a self-righteous section leader, I choose to be in the trenches, raising a future female leader who will understand the value of being in the trenches. That’s how I have chosen to participate in the #YesAllWomen movement.Image courtesy of Sunset Girl.