By Eric Stock

NORMAL – Leadership can come in many forms and an Illinois State University professor says men and women often lead differently.

Rick Ringer, director of ISU’s Organizational Leadership Institute, said women are often thought of as the supportive, team-building type.

PODCAST: Listen to Scott’s interview with Ringer on WJBC.

“The challenge for women sometimes is being able to step out of that a little bit, but appropriately so they aren’t viewed through this lens of ‘you are violating your social expectations about being female,’ ” Ringer said.

Ringer told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin employers see leadership differently that they used to generations ago, which gives women a better chance at climbing the corporate ladder today.

“Recognizing there are lots of different ways to lead effectively and becoming much more inclusive which would then provide far more opportunities for women – and it has over the last 40 to 50 years,” Ringer said.

Ringer cites a study published by social psychologist Alice Eagly at Northwestern University.

ISU is hosting a session at 7:30 a.m. Friday as part of its Breakfast Leadership Series. It’s called ‘Women Promote! Strategies for Authentic Self-Promotion” and will be at State Farm Hall of Business.

Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].