The managerial mystique is built around a core that is mathematical in rationale, steeped in business jargon, male in orientation, and predicated on assumptions about power relationships. To the extent that it is all of these, it is an obstacle to women. Tracing the history of managerial inroads into education and reviewing recent research related to the training of women for professional and leadership roles reveal that the form of the mystique is changing. This is a result of changing social and political factors including affirmative action programs and the increase in the number of women holding elective office. The evolutionary process continues. The shift is in a direction more compatible with the skills and knowledge women can expect to bring to the managerial arena. To participate in the change, however, women must also be knowledgeable and comfortable in dealing with the current set of rules. (Author)