I love being able to start a blog with a famous quote - this one attributed to Thomas Paine, political activist and philosopher, in the 18th century. Lead, follow or get out of the way is my advice for women in business.

I speak to women in business every day. Some are entrepreneurs, some are senior executives, and others are managers. One of the issues that come up most often is indecision. Indecision is defined as the inability to make a decision quickly. Unfortunately for women, indecision is a stereotype for women that spans generations of humor in the U.S. Quite honestly, I don't know why. I am the most decisive person I know and most of the women I work with, entrepreneurs and executives, are also. In my experience as a business coach, I know as many indecisive men as indecisive females, but the stereotype remains for the female gender.

My goal is to fix that. I would love to believe I can do that with this blog, but I am more sensible than that. However, let me tell you, reading this blog, what I see.

Every week I hear from a woman realizing that her business is not moving forward and she is in trouble. She schedules a free call to talk about what is standing in her way and she doesn't call. She doesn't want to hear that perhaps what she is doing is standing in the way of her success. She would prefer to keep doing what she is doing rather than take a risk and hear that just maybe she is responsible for her company not moving forward.

An entrepreneur needs to lead. There is absolutely no other option. She can put someone else in the decision-making seat, but in the end that in itself is a decision. The role and responsibilities of an entrepreneur is to make decisions and if those tasks are not performed the business will be in jeopardy. So, women entrepreneurs, if you refuse to lead either get out of the way or close your business.

Women in business, in management positions, if you are not leading you are likely following. Followers are not taken seriously in most businesses. Followers are necessary in almost all businesses - particularly those that go public and amass great fortune. But, followers are not rewarded at small businesses and, particularly those that are more entrepreneurial in nature. Perhaps, you are working at a company that requires you to just get out of the way. If this is the case, make sure that this is what you want for your future. There is nothing wrong with always being passed by if that is what you want. However, I speak with many women who are in this category and can't figure their way out. If that is you it is time to make a decision to change.

Leading, following or getting out of the way is a choice. Choice is something we have in America and although I work to help women achieve the most out of their work, I realize there are some who just want a secure job.

However, in my opinion, when it comes to women entrepreneurs or women executives there is no choice, but to lead. Leadership is required in order to progress to tomorrow. If the goal were to make sure that we did the same thing day after day and no decisions would ever be made than following would be the course. But, the contrary is true in today's businesses. Modern businesses require a take charge approach and the acknowledgment that proactivity is essential. If the business you work in or for is not proactive and it is waiting to respond to the customer, I promise it won't be around long. Businesses must lead in their respective category and prepare to surprise their targets markets ahead of their needs.

So, ask yourself, are you leading, following, or just getting out of the way, and is what you are doing getting you to where you want to be in your career? The choice is yours, but make sure it is what you want.