“The ability to learn is the most important quality a leader can have.”
– Padmasree Warrior, former chief technology officer at CISCO systems
Grant Thornton’s International Business Report has found that India has a total of 36% women in senior management positions in mid-market businesses, which is 4% higher than the global count which is 32%.
Throughout history, leadership has been predominantly associated with men and their ability to lead, manage and inspire teams. This has resulted in a gender gap where women have been underrepresented in leadership positions across various industries. However, with changing times and increased awareness about gender equality, women are now breaking the glass ceiling and rising to the top of their professions. Women are now holding leadership positions in various fields ranging from finance to technology, and they continue to inspire and motivate others.
As women continue to break barriers and achieve success in leadership positions, it is important to recognize the valuable leadership lessons that men can learn from them. Women leaders tend to bring unique perspectives and leadership styles to the table, which can be valuable for men who want to expand their leadership skills and become more effective leaders. By observing and learning from the leadership styles of women, men can gain insights into effective communication, empathy, collaboration, and other key leadership traits that are essential for building strong teams and driving business success.
Women’s Command in Communication and Collaboration
According to a study by Zenger&Folkman women are rated higher than men in communicating powerfully and prolifically and collaborating. Women not only express themselves eloquently but are also good and effective listeners. They have an innate ability to connect with others which helps them build better functioning teams.
For example, in informal conversations, men are observed to use large gestures whereas women use smaller gestures. This can be interpreted as men adopting a dominant standpoint whereas women tend to adopt an equal approach.
To be a better leader, it is necessary to have a healthy relationship with co-workers and subordinates. Men can cultivate qualities like empathy and emotional intelligence, include diversity, and constructively resolve conflicts. Men can enhance their communication by being more authentic and adaptable, adjusting their tone, and considering the preferences of their listeners.
It’s not always about the money
It is no secret that in many countries, the wage gap is a common occurrence. The reason for this disparity is work ethics. Men will value their job as long as it has good monetary compensation whereas women stay in it for their fulfilment and when they enjoy the work.
What can men learn from this? While considering a job application, the pay package should not be the only determining factor. Does the job add fulfilment and work satisfaction in your life should also be considered.
Catalyse transformation through motivation
Studies show that women have better interpersonal skills and prefer a more democratic and participative process. Men are observed to be more task-oriented and favour autocratic and directive leadership.
Research suggests that women tend to lead in a more inspiring and transformative way, focusing on aligning people with a sense of meaning and purpose rather than using rewards and punishments. This approach, known as transformational leadership, has been found to lead to higher team engagement, performance, and productivity.
If men were to spend more time connecting with their team on an emotional level and leading with both their emotional intelligence and intellectual prowess, as well as focusing on changing beliefs rather than just behaviours, they would become better leaders.
Place your team ahead of yourself
In a study done by Harvard Business School on leaders, it was discovered that female leaders were more likely to focus on “building up” their team over “breaking down” their team members. They also excel in conflict resolution.
When leadership positions are seen as a career goal or another way to receive a bigger paycheck, they become self-centred. Men are more self-focused than women, at times even being narcissistic.
Research has shown that women in leadership positions tend to focus more on coaching, mentoring and nurturing the growth of their team members compared to their male counterparts. They take a strategic approach towards employee development and are more likely to hire individuals who are more skilled than them, as they are not limited by their egos. This approach enables them to be effective ‘talent agents,’ driving employee growth and development.
Men can become better leaders by approaching leadership with a less self-centred focus. By focusing on elevating your team members, there would be an increase in the team’s effectiveness and better employee retention.
Become more resilient and adaptable
Despite the tremendous progress that women have made in various fields, they still continue to face numerous challenges and obstacles in their professional journeys. However, what sets them apart is their resilience and ability to adapt to any challenge thrown at them. This not only helps them navigate through difficult situations with ease but also allows them to thrive and excel in a working culture.
Resilient leaders make full use of their potential and can lead their teams in turbulent times. By embracing change and adapting to new circumstances, leaders can remain focused on shared goals.
In conclusion, it is imperative to recognize that leadership qualities are not gender-specific, and both men and women can learn from each other. By learning from women’s leadership qualities such as communication, collaboration, motivation, and focusing on team members’ growth, men can become better leaders. Women have demonstrated that they possess qualities like resilience and adaptability, which can help leaders work through difficult situations. By inculcating these leadership qualities, men and women can lead organizations towards greater success.
Women are making significant strides in leadership positions, and their success is a testament to the fact that gender should never be a barrier to achieving success in any field. Men can learn valuable leadership lessons from women, and by working together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone has an equal opportunity to lead and succeed.
