by Caroline | Nov 13, 2014 | adapting and effectiveness, authenticiy, conforming and authenticity, Diversity, Effectiveness, Engagement, invisible mind-sets, unconscious mind sets |
Women in business and professions know they must sometimes be masculine, sometime feminine. Can women do this “shifting” without burning out or losing themselves? It is natural and smart to select from different “versions” of ourselves when we move from one situation to another. But it can be costly. If a woman who prefers a feminine style has to behave in masculine ways a lot, she may become an “honorary man,” become exhausted or dis-engage. If she does so consciously, intentionally, “mindfully,” can she avoid these costs?
by Caroline | Jan 30, 2014 | ambition, authenticiy, balance of masculine and feminine, feminine leadership strengths, feminine strengths, gender inclusive, gender stereotypes, Inclusion, Lean In, Masculine Feminine Difference, Sheryl Sandberg, women and ambition, women and confidence |
In her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg points to internal barriers that hold women back. Many are just “feminine” ways. Women are wired and acculturated to value relationships more than status and to avoid bragging. This looks like lower ambition. Women tend to speak more humbly; this looks like lower confidence. I agree that, to make it to the top, women must demonstrate ambition and confidence. But my hope is that one day leaders will understand and appreciate feminine as well as masculine style and see leadership in both.
by Caroline | Oct 30, 2013 | authenticiy, better decisions, Engagement, leveraging differences, Masculine Feminine Difference |
At Halloween we enjoy putting on costumes and masks. At work, we sometimes assume roles. Doing so can have two opposite effects. It can undermine engagement — or promote effectiveness. The natural tendency to adapt in order to “fit in” can undermine engagement if we do it unconsciously and lose authenticity. But we can consciously shift our approach (e.g., from feminine to masculine) in order to be more effective Shifting in the latter way is no more inauthentic than speaking a foreign language in order to be understood,.
