#WLSalt - why I support

As a new leader of a department I'm continually searching for ways to be the best leader I can be.  It's a daily challenge that I accept with open arms and if at the end of the day I can say that if I can go two steps forward and one step back I'm still moving forward.  One area that has become more and more salient in my time in my position is the man/woman dynamic of leadership.  Don't get me wrong, I didn't come into this area blind as I've always supervised women and feel very comfortable supervising and working with women.  What I am beginning to notice is that the higher I go up the proverbial career ladder, those that I supervise are climbing up that ladder as well.  My three direct reports are all women, and all damn good at what they do.  As I work to help them grow and evaluate what they want their next level to be their is one area that is becoming more and more clear - I will never understand what it is like to be a woman leader.  That is why I continue to support #WLSalt - not only is it important that we have a strong female presence in all areas of our profession, it is a mildly selfish way for me to supplement my leadership with any area I will never fully get.  Whenever I need advice I know I can reach out to the hundreds of strong women out there that I can bounce ideas off of or direct my staff  towards to get them engaged.  So to the #WLSalt sisters, thank you for your good work you have started and know that you will always have support from me while we continue to do the good work that still needs to be done!