Leadership Diversity Between the Sexes

Mershon Niesner, Week 22, 2002

With the popularity of the best selling book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus by John Gray, Ph.D., (I also highly recommend the book or book on tape of Men Are From Mars, Women From Venus in the Bedroom) people of both sexes are attempting to gain understanding of their differences. But what does this mean in the workplace? Is there a difference in leadership and management style between men and women?

Although leadership style isn't always an issue of gender, recent studies show that men and women often do manage in dramatically different ways. In her book, The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership, author Sally Helgesen highlights some interesting discoveries.

• Women tend to work at a steady pace, scheduling breaks throughout the day. Men are more likely to work at a frantic, unrelenting pace with no breaks.
• Men perceive their homes as "branch offices" and spend less time with family and outside activities than their female counterparts. Women make time with their families a priority and are therefore more likely to be more understanding of subordinates who do likewise.
• Women managers tend to see themselves at the "center" of things, men see themselves at the "top."
• Men are often collectors of information. Women stress the importance of sharing information.
• Women see relationships as a priority and make an effort to be available to subordinates.

In her book entitled, Toward a New Psychology of Women, Jean Baker Miller states, "The female view that one strengthens oneself by strengthening others is finding greater acceptance. Female values of inclusion and connection are emerging as valuable leadership qualities."

Studies show that this type of management style is going to play an increasingly important role in business. For instance, according to a recent survey, salary/compensation ranked only sixth in importance among a list of job considerations. This is well behind intangibles like satisfaction and fulfillment.

Women entering today's job market are comfortable with changing organizations and/or clients if they experience even a well-paying job as inhumane or stifling. Entrepreneurs and corporate managers of both sexes must heed the danger of the exaltation of efficiency at the expense of human values. What's your experience?

Mershon Niesner, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach www.mershonbell.com, Write me at mershon@mershonbell.com and tell me what your experience is in the workplace.

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