The Problem or the Symptom?

The topic of women in the boardroom has been discussed over and over. Some European countries have even instituted quotas so that there are more women directors. My recommendation is to back to the source of the problem. There are not enough women operators/general managers or CEOs. The bottom line is that the CEO skill set or having run a business is still the number one  for most board seats. So until there are more women in these roles it will be a challenge to have more women in the board room. So women, step out of the HR and marketing roles and get into operations! Request (even demand) those assignments that lead to P&L responsibility. The board seats will follow.