Breaking Through “Bitch”

CHAPTER 4Step Up and Hit it Out of the Park: Confidence and Achievement Drive

Belief in oneself and the drive to accomplish more and achieve better results go hand in hand. Only with confidence in her knowledge and abilities can a woman compete with higher-ups and reach the brass ring. Both competencies—confidence and achievement drive—have the markings of assertiveness, competitiveness, independence, and masterfulness—that is, those characteristics that fit the male, not the female, stereotype. Successful women leaders have rounded off the edge of these male-associated characteristics, creating versions of their own and breaking through “bitch.”

Confidence

Janet, the senior VP at a technology company, exudes energy and competence. She is a breath ...