A recent interview of Carol Smith, senior vice president and chief brand manager of the Elle Group in “The New York Times” spurred much debate among readers who reacted to her comment that hands down women make better bosses. In a follow up article, “The New York Times” interviewed several experts on the subject to get their opinions. The little research that exists on this topic isn’t conclusive. Consequently, the experts had very little factual data to analyze. I find these types of debates sexist. Many of the conclusions drawn by the experts are based upon stereotypes thus bringing their analysis into question.
Here is a sampling of the opinions/facts expressed by the experts.
Women are wired to be better communicators.
Women are more relational and therefore more transformative in their leadership style.
Women have to work harder to prove their competence.
Women advocate with more intensity and sincerity for their direct reports.
Women look for meaning in work.
Men are better risk takers.
Men are more concerned with status and salary.
Did you notice that the only positive mentioned about men’s leadership style is that they are better risk takers? This accounts for their quick advancement up the corporate ladder and why they excel as networkers. And according to the experts, women apparently need to get better at taking risks.
Very Interesting…
The experts cited statistics showing that men work best when they have two bosses, one a male and one a female. Women work best and experience less emotional stress when working with male bosses. One reason for this is that competition between women is more intense than competition with the opposite sex. If you’re a woman you understand this.
Polls suggest that two times as many people would prefer a male boss to a female boss. People base their poll answers on their own experience which begs the question. If twice as many people prefer a male boss to a female boss, are female bosses really more effective and transformative than their male counterparts?
Stereotypes = Preconceived Notions
I recognize that the heading above isn’t new information and we’re encouraged as a society to avoid stereotypes. However, when it comes to gender issues it seems stereotypes are still acceptable fodder for conversation. Stereotypes are society’s way of approving preconceived notions. Personally I prefer to be judged on my character and my abilities to lead rather than having my leadership defined by the perceived characteristics of my gender.
Averages and stereotypes do not take into account an individual’s unique character traits and the strengths that contribute to their leadership style. There are anomalies within each gender that surpass the “typical” with leadership styles that inspire, drive, innovate, and execute strategies. We should focus on an indvidual’s substance not on their gender and the accompanying “genderalizations” (my word).
Admittedly a handful of women have made it to the pages of history. But more and more are making an impact in the worlds of business and politics. Perhaps the better question to ask is what attitudes, aptitudes, habits, etc. set these women apart for success as individuals rather than simply as women. That is the kind of meaningful information from which we all could learn.
What's your opinion? I'd love to know.
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