Aspiring female leaders risk being liked but not respected, or respected but not liked, in settings that may require individuals to be both in order to succeed.

What is assertive in a man can appear abrasive in a woman, and female leaders risk appearing too feminine or not feminine enough.

In short, women who do not opt out of demanding professional positions are more likely to opt out of demanding family obligations.

Most characteristics associated with leaders are masculine: dominance, authority, assertiveness, and so forth.