Abstract
This grounded theory study sought to understand young men’s expectations of female leaders. Interviews of twenty pre-professional millennial men, most from major Midwestern cities were coded using InVivo and other initial coding methods to identify themes and categories that built a grounded theory. While many young men have experienced a male-dominated home life and society in their youth, their experiences in college and early work have challenged those views and led many to believe that in their professional careers female authority figures will be a normal and accepted part of their careers. Seeing women in middle management, entry level men experience women in leadership since middle management is often dominated by women. Other themes that evolved from the study include the desire for more personal and trusting relationships in the work place and a growing acceptance of all people without discrimination. Implications of this study affect educators’ preparation of women for leadership positions as well as organizational leaders’ understanding of the importance of building cultures of equality.