If anyone ever says, “I don’t know what women want in the workplace”, here is a succinct list of five things (according to a Center for Talent Innovation 2014 report on women and ambition):

1. To be able to flourish; (we want to learn, we want be stretched, we want to be productive)

2. To excel; (we want to be GREAT at whatever it is we do, no compromises)

3. To reach for meaning and purpose; (we want it to matter)

4. To empower others and be empowered; (We want to help others, we want to be able to do what we need to)

5. And to earn well. (“Show me the money!”)

Couldn’t agree more.  But here’s the rub: according to the article, women stop wanting power at some point in our career. We view leadership as a burden. We think we’re unqualified. But here’s the thing: don’t you have more faith in your ability to use power for good than anyone else around you?