Women and Leadership in Health Care: The Journey to Authenticity and Power

This book is excellent for any woman interested in pursuing a leadership role in healthcare. As a woman who is currently employed in the healthcare industry, it was refreshing to learn that the "glass ceiling" really does exist, and isn't just in most of our minds. This book reveals many essential steps women can take on their rise to the top. Ms. Robinson-Walker gives insightful examples of the healthcare environment and the reality of what women face on a daily basis. Her contributions by many within the industry - both male and female - shine a light on what the real perceptions are of women in health care. It was important to hear what our male counterparts thought of our capabilities as leaders. What I found most intriguing about this book, is the detailed steps of what women can do to overcome many of the obstacles that currently exist. There were many introspective ideas that I never would have considered, yet, after reading the book, they made perfect sense. The suggestions on how we can break through the glass ceiling are realistic and within anyone's reach. This book is well organized from beginning to end. Not only does she ask the questions, but she provides the answers. All aspects of health care leadership are represented, from clinical to administrative. With the information obtained in this book, I have a renewed ambition of reaching the top! This book should be a must read for any young woman contemplating a career in the health care industry, even if it's in a clinical role. This would be a great book to give as a graduation gift to any young woman entering college or nursing school. If you are currently in the industry and have aspirations to move into a senior level management position, take this book to a quiet spot and soak in every word!!!

I am not a manager in the healthcare industry. However, I work in office support in the healthcare industry. Ms. Robinson-Walker's book was a tremendous inspiration to me during a difficult time. I found that I was enlightened and educated by the material addressed. I particularly liked the personal stories. This book also validated that the problems were not me, but the system. I recommend this book not only for managers but for anyone who works in a business environment. From the mailroom clerk to the CEO.Thank you so much.

An extremely well organized and written book with wonderful attention to current literature and perspectives on gender and leadership. The variety that characterizes the national and international experts who have contributed their personal stories to the book provides us with the opportunity to learn from the leaders and experience the wisdom they have to offer. This book makes a very important addition to the literature and helps teach us all how to become more reflective and effective leaders.

Robinson-Walker frames her book using the following questions: Why do women of undisputed talent opt out of senior roles? Why are some not even considered even if qualified? Why do others not choose developmental opportunities leading to positions of leadership? Utilizing a thorough review of literature and interviews with nearly 100 leading female and male health care executives from a variety of disciplines, the author weaves their stories into a compelling analysis. She notes that women, who comprise 85% of U.S.healthcare workeers, fill little more than a third of all manageent roles. The author goes on to address the stumbling blocks presented in the literature and described by those who participated in interviews. Moving beyond the specific issues and challenges experienced by women seeking and experiencing leadership, Robinson-Walker concludes the book with suggestions for "reframing" our thinking about ways in which to achieve a more productive balance of women and men in health care leadership roles.