Describing Powerful Women in the Workplace
It's difficult to find the right words to describe female role models. Frequently, the adjectives used for men, such as "aggressive", have different connotations when applied to the female gender. An aggressive businessman is seen as a hard worker, a strong negotiator, and an asset. An aggressive woman is demanding or even "forward." A man who is "all business" is perceived as dedicated to their work life, while using this description on a woman has an underlining implication of the unfeminine. Even describing a woman as "strong" sometimes implies that they are less than womanly.
It is possible to purge negative connotations when describing strong women. Without offending anyone, powerful women can be described as dedicated, hard working, leaders, pillars of a business or community. Women can be described as an authority or an expert, as well. Being cautious with adjectives can make female executives much more comfortable at work.