The Confidence Thing

The profession public relations is one that is growing. According to statistics from the United States Department of Labor, this trend is expected to continue. That, of course, is good news for the thousand of communication and public relations majors currently enrolled in universities and colleges across the country. Society, including entities within the profit and not-for-profit aspects of it, recognizes the value of communicating effectively and need for professionals with the skills to help make that happen. Successful communication that results in ongoing two-way interaction between people and publics is a good thing for everyone.


Of those currently working in communication or studying to enter into the profession, over half are female. Despite this reality, the majority of persons holding down senior level positions in the field are men. Why is this? Perhaps one answer to such a broad question might be found in a singular word: "confidence." According to studies at Stanford University, are bigger risk takers, more competitive and less apt to be negatively swayed by criticism. In short, they have more confidence than women. Girls, on the other hand, are more studious, productive and more prone to suffer from self doubt and fear of rejection.


The result of these differences contributes to the fact women seem to not advance as far in their careers as men. This is most unfortunate because women - generally-speaking - have as much, if not more, to offer organizations, work places, etc. in terms of long-term vision, work ethic, team building and good old fashioned leadership. Fortunately, more and more our society seems to be coming around to this perspective. Particularly when it comes to communication, the hope here is this trend will not only continue but pick up speed. It is not just a matter of what is best for women, but what is best for all of us.