There are lots of debates about what gender is right for different jobs in today’s world. Men and women have always brought different strengths to everything they do, and the business world is no different. With everyone having a wide variety of skills, both genders bring many advantages.
Men:
- Are seen as more willing to take risks
- Better at working under pressure
- Higher self esteem/more confidence
- Negotiate more profitable deals
- More persuasive
Studies show that males tend to favor a transactional leadership style, which is a very old-school leadership style. The boss is usually strict, does not like to be questioned and does not connect with employees on a personal level. They usually have subordinates that control different teams, and do not engage with the groups to help them remain on track. The subordinates are only contacted when given orders, and are blamed for any mistakes. Transactional leaders also wait until a problem gets too big before stepping in to fix it.
Women:
- Better at working out compromises
- More empathetic
- Create a safer and respectful environment
- More ethical and honest
- Better at standing up for what they believe in
While men are usually are transactional leaders, most women are transformational leaders. This style of leadership works by having everyone, the boss and the employees, be more connected and build each other up. A leader using the transformational leadership style is more in touch with their team members, and frequently visits them while they are working. These leaders not only want their team to accomplish goals, but also aim to make them better people. Aiming to be a role model, emphasizing teamwork and communication, connecting with others on a personal level and looking to inspire others is what transformational leaders are known for, and it is what makes them such strong leaders.
Why is there a difference?
There is always the question: Why? Why is there a difference in leadership styles between men and women? The answer lies in research done by neuroscientists. They found that women have higher oxytocin (“the cuddle hormone”) levels than men, which causes women to instinctively care more about their subordinates and want to have a deeper relationship with them. Women are also better at verbally explaining their feelings and emotions. This attribute shows when a female leader asks about your day or what is happening in your day-to-day routine rather than a report on a project. Meanwhile, men focus more on rewards as results are everything to them. More men fear vulnerability because opening up and being vulnerable causes them to release a stress hormone, cortisol. Males have received worse evaluations when they are emotionally inclined, which makes them want to hide their emotions more. Men were found by researchers to only need strength to be respected, but women need strength and sensitivity.
Research did find that women’s transformational leadership style works better, but that does not mean that all women are cut out to be leaders or that men are bad leaders. Everyone has different styles and a variety of skills. Leadership skills and styles also are based on how one is raised as a child. The key to being a successful leader is getting along with your subordinates and giving them the encouragement they need to be successful.