There are numerous examples of women succeeding in
traditionally male-dominated professions. However, if success is defined as
actually running a company, a corporation, or even a country, we must look at
the statistics.

There are 19 female CEOs running Fortune 500 companies. This
sounds solid, but this actually only makes up 3.8% of the total.

Over 70 women serve in the United States Congress. This,
too, seems applause-worthy, until you count all 535 seats in both the House and
Senate. That means women hold seats in only 13.8% of Congress, despite making
up 52% of the American voting population.

Women have certainly come a long way in the United States,
but they still have a very long way to go before they have an equal share of
the real power in that country.

Condoleezza Rice, Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, and Nancy
Pelosi are four women leaders who have broken the glass ceiling in the world of
politics and leadership. Please describe one specific, predominant, and common
characteristic that three of these superwomen possess that might account for
their breaking the glass ceiling.

Use the following questions to guide your supportive
writing:

How specifically is this characteristic demonstrated?

How do these women apply this characteristic in their
decision making, strategic planning, or problem solving?

Are these characteristics an offshoot of a traditionally
male-oriented style?

If so, which male leader do they most resemble?

Based on this predominant characteristic, which leadership
theory would they utilize most effectively?

Your paper should be 3-5 pages in length and include a cover
page and a reference page. Use academic writing standards and APA style
guidelines, citing references as appropriate. Include at least two additional
sources beyond the textbook to support your writing. Textbook (Northouse, Peter
G. (2013).  Leadership: Theory and
Practice 6th edition).