My own personal leadership style is not
a very formal one, nor is it directive or
authoritative. I prefer to earn respect through
actions, not to claim it through a reliance
on titles, position-specific authority, and an
authoritative demeanor. Unfortunately, my
leadership style only served to reinforce the
gendered stereotypes held by colleagues (e.g.,
women as weak leaders). In order to be taken
seriously by these colleagues, I resorted to
becoming more directive and authoritative.