About the Book

The life you've led has prepared you for the life you dream of.

For too long and for too many, the word leadership has had a masculine ring to it. Because women are such natural team players and consensus builders, many may simply view a strong desire to lead as, well, a bit rude. What we've failed to realize is if you define leadership as the art of getting a group of people working together effectively toward a common goal—then women bring some mighty powerful leadership skills to the table. So why don't we jump in?

We long to dive into the challenges and make a difference, but holding us back are questions and self doubt:

• Do I have anything left to offer after my kids are grown?
• What if I fall on my face?
• Will anyone recognize what I have to offer?
• Do I have what it takes to make a real difference?
• How do I break into, or get around, the good ol' boy network?

Whether you're a new college graduate, an empty nester, a divorceé starting life on your own (again), or a discontented cubical dweller, Congressman Marsha Blackburn says you are an amazing, talented woman:

Here is exciting news: there is a key truth that will unlock extraordinary possibilities for you. The simple but powerful truth is that your accumulated skills go with you. The ordinary, everyday tasks you have been performing are actually the foundation for getting you where you want to go. In even the most unglamorous roles, you have built real leadership ability that has prepared you for bigger things.

Today, more than ever, the world needs leaders for jobs big and small, and women have been training for these tasks their whole lives. They can make a difference in their own lives and in our culture—and you can too.

Myth-Busters

Myth: Opportunity, influence, and the power to bring change naturally flow to the one with the best pedigree.
Fact: It simply isn't true that opportunities to lead go to the smartest, the richest, the best-dressed, or the most qualified "on paper." In reality, true functional power tends to flow to the one who is willing to shoulder the responsibility.

Myth: The people currently filling the role you are considering have special knowledge and ability you don't have.
Fact: In reality, almost everyone learns by doing, improves by continuing to do, and becomes confident only because they have done.

Myth: You don't have to tell your own story. Someone will step up and tell it for you.  
Fact: In a perfect world, we would never have to point to our own accomplishments. Great work would speak for itself and get noticed every time after all, "nice girls don't brag." The uncomfortable truth is that it's up to you to tell your own story.

Myth: Everyone is going to cheer for us, every step of the way.
Fact: Sorry, but the higher up you poke your head, the more attractive a target it makes for the bitter, the jealous, and the naysayers.

Buy the Book