There is a lot of talk about leadership in the news these days. Of course, there is a Presidential election coming up and everyone running wants to be seen as a leader. My observation is that too many people believe that in order to make a point one must point a finger of blame at a person rather than state a solution. Women leaders must lead by example not reveal blame. 
True leaders are people that bring people together to work toward a common goal. Finding the common goal among a diverse group of people is not easy, but if it were we would have many leaders and few followers. I believe many women are much more natural leaders than they give themselves credit for. Some are wives and/or mothers and have spent years finding common ground at home. Many women spend countless, and sometimes unappreciated hours, in community service and have succeeded through shear will to develop shared values for all to follow. All of these talents, if embraced, can foster leadership qualities that can be transferred to the workplace.
But, let's get back to the problem with finger-pointing. Merriam-Webster's definition for finger-pointing is the act of blaming someone for a problem instead of trying to fix or solve it. The definition is clear that any person who chooses to point a finger is not a leader. A leader is a person who commands authority or influence and takes the initiative to find solutions. The two couldn't be further apart. So why are so many so-called leaders pointing fingers and finding blame. The answer to me is simple. We have spent so much time teaching and talking about leadership we have lost the ability to see it when it is present.
Every day, in my work as a business coach, I work with women who are true leaders. They get up every morning ready to take on any problem that gets in their way in doing the job they have committed to do. Some of these women are entrepreneurs, some are women in business and one is a mentee preparing herself for the future. In my opinion, each possesses more leadership qualities than I see on the nightly news. (Unfortunately, that isn't saying much). My point is that true leaders don't need the limelight to lead, but only a problem or obstacle standing in their way, and the desire to move beyond it. Whether at work, at home, in the community, or even on the battlefield, leaders inspire others to move forward with their guidance in a unified direction toward a well-communicated goal.
Do you see that happening anywhere on the evening news or around the world?
The good news is that it is happening many places in our communities, in our businesses, in our schools and, maybe, even sometimes, in our country and world (but never makes the news).
If all one can do is blame others for the mess and never have a plan or take action to improve the situation, then I call that finger-pointing. It is unattractive, unproductive, and untenable to finger-point whether figuratively or literally. As the old adage states every time you point your finger at someone you should know you have three fingers pointing back at you!
Women leaders don't point they lead and they lead best by example. The women leaders I most admire don't need to bark orders, demand attention, or wave a finger in any direction to gain consideration. They speak up and communicate a clear plan so that others can follow with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Since not everyone can be a leader, nor should be, it is important that leaders provide a sense of purpose for those who follow them.
Finally, the world is full of people looking for leadership. Looking for the people willing to step up and bring people together to work toward common goals. My hope is that women will be the ones willing to step forward.
