1) No. I've seen many people over the years with various skill sets. None of them can easily be divided by gender lines. 2) In my industry, leadership roles are assigned. They're equally split by gender. 3) Leadership roles are assigned by performance. Once again, they're equally split. As for my immediate supervisors, I have no preference in gender, race, background, etc. one way or another. It's all about results. 4) As a supervisor myself, to make assumptions based upon preconceived notions about race, gender, and cultural background is to take unnecessary risks. Assumptions on future performance have to be based on an individual's previous successes, current performance, and known skill sets. 5) Yes. As a supervisor, I am not only a team leader, but a coach and supporter. If one of my co-workers fails to do well, I am as much to blame as they are.