LSC Montgomery Women's Conference provided insight to success

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- “It’s go time!” This was the fundamental message of the keynote speaker at the recent Women’s Conference hosted by Lone Star College Montgomery, Ashley Merryman, attorney and the author of bestselling books - Top Dog: The Science of Winning, and NatureShock: New Thinking about Children, addressed the diversified crowd that included business executives, women entrepreneurs, and full-time moms. The one thing they all had in common - they were women; women who are intent on reaching their full potential. Merryman shared insight as to why many women don’t.

Merryman’s research revealed that women were extremely good at assessing risk and calculating the odds of winning, whereas, men are more concerned about going through the process, and less likely to care about the odds of winning. She said this explains why so few women compete in the national arena in politics or the corporate world.

“Women tend to look at the negative aspects of competing; men look at the advantages of doing so,” said Merryman. “Women play not to lose. They tend not to compete if they’re going to lose. Men play for all the advantages being in the game provides.”

Women take themselves out of the game, despite the lessons to be learned going through the process. Valuable lessons that would increase their chances of success in future competitive endeavors. Our upbringing is primarily responsible according to Merryman. Girls are taught not to be aggressive, to play nice and not to be bossy.

In a PSA titled, “I’m Not Bossy. I’m the Boss,” Beyonce, Condoleezza Rice, Jane Lynch, Facebook chief operating officer, and many other celebrities, are encouraging young girls to speak up and let their voices be heard on issues they are passionate about.

Spearheaded by Sheryl Sandberg, and U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, Sandberg’s Lean-In nonprofit, the Girl Scouts of America, and Lifetime Television, have teamed up for the “Ban Bossy” campaign, telling young girls their voice won’t be heard if it’s not used.

Psychologist, Dr. Jeff Gardere, said girls and boys are treated differently when it comes to encouraging leadership.

“When young boys are assertive, they’re given a lot of positive reinforcement,” said Gardere. “When young women are assertive, we tend to see them as being too aggressive; as being pushy, and being bossy.”

Merryman underscored the need for women to assert themselves.

“If you have an idea, it’s your turn,” said Merryman. “It’s not being forward or aggressive. Bring your ideas and say ‘Let’s go!’”

In other words women…It’s go time!