For decades since fully entering the workforce, women have navigated a labyrinth of expectations that can undermine their achievements and aspirations. For many high-achieving women, the journey through leadership roles is fraught with challenges that arise from the complex interplay of gender, leadership identity, and societal perceptions of success. When stepping into a new leadership role, many women must confront the unspoken rules that govern workplace dynamics, such as the expectation to be assertive without being labeled as aggressive, or to serve others' needs and vision without expecting reciprocity. Like a decoder ring to decipher the nuances of organizational culture, understanding these hidden expectations is vital. Unfortunately, many women enter their careers without being provided the decoder ring, leading to missteps and frustrations.

As women rise in their careers, they are often faced with two choices when faced with challenges: they can strive to meet others' expectations or resist conforming to these norms. Many women, socialized to be attuned to others' needs, find success in the former approach—meeting the expectations of colleagues and superiors. This alignment can lead to positive recognition and promotional opportunities. However, this success........

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