#Nextchat: Ban Bossy?

What does the word “bossy” mean to you?  

Sheryl Sandberg's new "Ban Bossy" campaign seeks to eliminate the use of the word “bossy” when describing successful and powerful women, and replace it with positive words that highlight character, resilience and leadership ability.  

Many believe that society often discourages girls from developing and displaying leadership qualities, and that this has produced generations of women who are afraid to take on leadership positions for fear of being disliked.   

While many women, like Beyoncé, Victoria Beckham and Condoleezza Rice, have signed on to help launch the campaign, not all successful women appreciate Sheryl’s efforts.

In Bossy Doesn’t Have to Be a Bad Word, Kate Waldman expresses, “Bossy seems like a great candidate for rehabilitation: It’s attached to a positive noun, boss, and using it to mean someone with ‘executive leadership skills’ might help normalize the idea that women can be in charge.”

There are others who don’t believe the campaign will affect gender bias in the workplace.

Jessica Grose writes in “What Happens After We Ban the Word Bossy?” that “Though Sandberg’s messages are good ones—and raising awareness and starting conversations is valuable and important—all the sharable infographics in the world aren’t going to improve the lot of the regular working woman. We need laws.”

What do you think about the "Ban Bossy" campaign?

Please join @weknownext (Tweetdeck, Hootsuite or Twubs.com) at 3 p.m. ET on March 19 for a #Nextchat about banning the word bossy. We'll chat about the "Ban Bossy" campaign and how it affects young women and gender bias in the workplace.

Q1. What do you think about Sheryl Sandberg’s "Ban Bossy" campaign?

Q2. Should the word "bossy" be banned or praised?  Why?

Q3. Have you ever been called "bossy" and how did you feel about that description?

Q4. Do you think society discourages women from being leaders or displaying ambitious qualities?  Why or why not?

Q5. Do you think the "Ban Bossy" campaign will help young girls feel more comfortable with leadership? Why or why not?

Q6. Do you think the "Ban Bossy" campaign has the power to affect gender bias issues in the workplace?

Q7. If you were to create a national campaign to help encourage more women leaders, what would the title and focus be? 

Q8. What is the largest obstacle or challenge facing women in the workplace today?

What’s a Twitter chat?