Male Bosses with Daughters

Last week I had the privilege of hearing Nancy Schlichting, the CEO of Henry Ford Health Systems, speak. She spoke to a group I’m involved with called Leadership Next through the United Way of Southeast Michigan. Leadership Next is made up of emerging leaders in the Detroit area looking to magnify what’s great about the city and its surrounding areas via volunteering, networking, mentoring and leadership training. The goal is to get the young leaders to think and act collaboratively as well as educate them on issues important to the community they’re committed to.

After a motivational talk on leadership and her experiences as a leader, Nancy opened the floor up to questions. I was particularly interested to hear about her experiences as a female CEO. As a female CEO she is in the smallest of minorities. Only 1.4% of CEOs in the Fortune 500 are women. After hearing her speak I know why she’s made it as far as she has. She is balanced, thoughtful, bright, positive, and collaborative. Still, I was curious as were others as to any advice she had for women climbing the ladder to leadership in the 21st century. Nancy remarked that she experienced greater success and fulfillment as a woman in business when she worked for men with daughters. She observed that these men wanted to see her succeed in many instances because they saw their daughters in her.

It makes sense, doesn’t it? Men who want to see their daughters excel in the marketplace, be it in academia, business, non-profits, etc. will be more inclined to give the women that work for them a fair shake, more of a chance than others. Because they know what their daughters are capable of, hear their ambitions and dreams and know the challenges their daughter’s might face when they enter the workforce it causes them to take the time to mentor and promote you. An analogous feeling, albeit not as deep as the affection they have for their daughters, will supplant any subtle prejudices they may have about women in the workplace. It is true. I have experienced it as well. This is certainly something to consider before taking your next job or as you look for a mentor in your current company.