by Caroline | Nov 5, 2014 | feminine thinking, gendered definitions of leadership, masculine thinking, strengths of feminine approaches, unconscious mind sets |
When you need to solve a novel and important problem, what kind of leader do you want in charge? Does the word “decisive” make your list? What do we mean by “decisive”? Usually we mean the masculine decision style – moving straight to the goal. While this is often effective, the feminine decision style has different benefits, including creativity and buy-in. The feminine style is to gather ideas, synthesize and process. It takes more time but can avoid costly misses. The best leaders can make decisions in both masculine and feminine ways and value both ways in others.
by Caroline | Aug 13, 2013 | appreciating difference, collaborative leadership style, feminine leadership strengths, Gender difference, Inclusive leadership, invisible mind-sets, judging difference, leading from the front, Masculine Feminine Difference, Men and women at work, obstacles to gender diversity, Strengths of feminine leadership, strengths of masculine approaches, understanding difference, understanding difference |
The masculine form of influencing others is based on a hierarchical world-view. The feminine form is based on building and maintaining relationships. Those (men and women) who influence in a masculine way command, tell, and demonstrate dominance. Men and women who influence in a feminine way do so through persuasion. We can wisely use our understanding of these differences, and the strengths of each approach, to be more effective. Our understanding and appreciation of these differences enables us to be more inclusive. Leader who appreciate these differences are aware that they can create obstacles, for example, for feminine leaders who do not “lead from the front.” They can see leadership strengths in those who lead collaboratively.
by Caroline | Apr 23, 2013 | collaborative leadership style, Gender difference, gendered definitions of leadership, Leadership, Masculine Feminine Difference, Strengths of feminine leadership, Strengths of women's leadership, women and collaboration, women and power, Women in management |
Concepts of good leadership are often associated with how men tend to lead (masculine forms of leadership). The feminine form of leadership is different but equally effective. Sometimes the results achieved by women who exhibit feminine leadership styles are overlooked. The focus is on how they operate and how it is different from the norm. Getting gender diversity at the top requires that we expand our definitions of leadership.
