I say assertive, you say bossy; I say leader, you say bi***: Gender bias in academia

Abstract

Despite progressive changes in the workforce, a double‐standard still remains when it comes to assessment of competency and leadership in male and female faculty, especially in the STEM fields. The same behavior that is perceived as assertive in a male may be described as bossy in a female. This double‐standard has implications for female faculty in all aspects of their career, from negotiating the new hire to achieving full professorship.This session will begin with a brief overview of research that examines gender bias in the workforce and academia. The presenter will then discuss her personal experiences in navigating these issues, as she transitioned from a new faculty member to a leader in her mid‐career (including past‐president of the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society). For the presenter, increased maturity (a.k.a. – age) fostered increased comfort as a leader and a decreased need for external approval. Cultivating strong mentor networks can facilitate leadership development and recognition of one's self worth, despite existing gender bias. The presenter will provide advice to all about empowering yourself in all career stages.