The musical Wicked, The Untold Story of the Witches of Oz, is going to be back in town this fall. I really enjoyed reading the book and I'm intrigued to see the musical production.

Without going into a lot of detail (you'll have to read the book!) suffice it to say that this is a story about good relationships between women gone bad due to competition. Unfortunately, that's why it reminded me of women and leadership.

When men are in competition for a promotion or project, they go head-to-head and duke it out until one of them achieves success. Then, they shake hands and move on, often going out together to celebrate. In fact, studies show that men will typically fall in line behind the strongest male. (For you weaker males - watch out! That's a whole different story.)

This is often not the case for women. Rather, when women are in competition, they also go head-to-head and duke it out until one of them achieves success. But that's where the comparison often ends. Instead of shaking hands and moving on, something strange happens. All the relational skills and emotional intelligence we are purported to have goes right out the window.

Instead, and again the studies support this, women will work to take the strongest female out. (No, I'm not making this up.) So, until we're willing to embrace competition with grace and support the outcomes without malice, then we'll likely continue to struggle in making real strides in having more women in leadership positions.

So, if you're a woman at or on your way up the leadership ranks, kudos to you for taking on that challenge. Want a little piece of advice? Hang onto your ruby slippers and keep your eyes lifted to the sky. Unless something changes - and soon - don't be surprised to find that a falling house just might be in your future.