By Jan Perkins, Former City Manager and ICMA Senior Advisor/West Region Liaison
There are many reasons women are under-represented as chief executives in local governments (and many other areas in business and government as well). There’s one thing women are especially well-positioned to do to change that – and that is to be open to pursuing a path to the top job, even if you have questions or doubts about whether that’s your ultimate goal.
I go to many municipal management conferences, where I meet people early in their careers who love public service. I often ask them whether they’re interested in the top job someday. I find that the typical response of the young men is “yes.” For young women, all too often, the response is, “I don’t know.” That sort of talk reinforces self-doubt. It diminishes possibilities.
I understand the misgivings. Serving as chief executive is a demanding job, with long hours and lots of responsibility. Some women worry about whether they can balance the requirements with raising a family. And serving as assistant city manager or a department head is important and fulfilling work, full of interesting assignments and opportunities to lead.
But leading a local government is also exhilarating. I don’t think those of us who have served in the role sing its praises nearly enough. The top job is a chance to exercise your professional skills and lead a team of people to accomplish great things. It’s rewarding knowing that you’re putting your imprint on an organization, and helping to set your community’s course for the future.
If you take yourself out of the running too early – if you engage in self-talk that says you probably wouldn’t be good at it, or you tell people in your network you don’t think you could handle the demands – you’re eliminating opportunities before you can truly evaluate whether such a position is right for you.
There are lots of studies that show women in the workplace let their doubts get in the way of their goals. In Lean In, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg detailed some of them. A 2002 survey of medical students found that women in a surgery rotation gave themselves lower scores than men did, even though faculty members rated the women higher. In a 2012 study of political candidates, men were 60 percent more likely to rate themselves as “very qualified” to run for office. Afraid of appearing boastful or unlikable, many women instead talk themselves out of reaching for the brass ring and settle for less than they may want.
Governing bodies need to do more to attract female candidates. We need policies that promote a balance between work and life. And we also need women who will set their sights on the top job and pursue it with confidence. After all, ambition is not a four-letter word.
Our organizations deserve the best leaders. Women have what it takes to lead, and to make the world a better place.
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Jan Perkins was city manager of Fremont and Morgan Hill, CA, and served as assistant city manager in several cities. Early on Jan decided she would be a city manager, despite seeing only men in those positions. Her personal mission has been to encourage women to aim for the top job. She is an Advisory Board for the League of Women in Government and a Board Member for Women Leading Government in California.
