TED: The rigged test of leadership | Sophie Williams

The video explores the challenges faced by underrepresented leaders, particularly women and racially marginalized individuals, in business environments. It introduces the concepts of the glass ceiling and glass cliff, highlighting how these barriers affect career progression. Research shows that businesses often appoint underrepresented leaders during periods of poor performance, setting them up for failure. The video emphasizes the need for systemic change and encourages viewers to challenge biases and support diverse leadership.

What is the glass cliff?

• A barrier preventing women from entering the workforce

• A situation where underrepresented leaders are set up to fail

• A term for the highest position in a company

• A strategy for promoting diversity in leadership

What did the Times newspaper conclude about women on the board?

• They are always beneficial for business

• They are bad for business in some ways

• They have no impact on business performance

• They are the primary cause of business success

Why might businesses in trouble appoint women as leaders?

• Because they are seen as nurturing and good at re-engaging teams

• To fulfill diversity quotas

• For their perceived ability to make transformational changes

• Because they have more experience than male leaders

What is the 'Savior effect'?

• A strategy to save a failing business

• The tendency to replace female leaders with white male leaders

• A method to promote women in leadership

• A plan to diversify the workforce

What happens to the performance of white male teams under a black female leader?

• It improves significantly

• It remains unchanged

• It declines due to lack of personal connection

• It becomes more innovative

What is a significant challenge for black women in leadership roles?

• Overcoming language barriers

• Managing a diverse team

• Lack of experience

• Leading a predominantly white male team

What is the impact of the glass cliff on future underrepresented leaders?

• It has no impact on their career progression

• It guarantees their success

• It encourages more diversity in leadership

• It prevents them from receiving necessary mentorship

What is the main message of the call to action?

• To maintain the status quo in leadership

• To support underrepresented leaders and challenge biases

• To ignore biases and focus on profits

• To prioritize male leaders in business

How can individuals contribute to preventing the glass cliff?

• By focusing solely on financial performance

• By challenging biases and supporting all leaders

• By supporting only male leaders

• By ignoring diversity issues

What does Angela Davis suggest about changing the world?

• It's impossible to change the world

• Change is only possible through government intervention

• We must act as though change is possible all the time

• Change should be left to future generations