Womenโs History Month began last Friday, and the question remains as relevant as ever.
“๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ณ๐ฒ๐บ๐ฎ๐น๐ฒ ๐น๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ต๐ถ๐ฝ ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ฒ?”
In their integrative review with the same title of the evidence on gender differences in leadership, Lynn Offermann and Kira O. Foley, PhD* provide lots of evidence that suggests that female leadership can significantly benefit organizations. These benefits are not limited to but include:
- Key leadership traits such
- as empathy, dedication, charisma, and intelligence.
- A higher standard of ethical behavior, with female leaders often setting examples of proper conduct in both their actions and interactions, thereby encouraging their followers to act ethically.
- ย Improved team performance, attributed to a leadership style that emphasizes collaboration and open communication, creating an environment that is both supportive and welcoming.
- Superior crisis management, with female leaders typically viewed as more adept at steering through tough situations thanks to their resilience and adaptability.
- A propensity for embracing change, with a willingness to consider new ideas, take calculated risks, and manage uncertainty with assurance.
For many, the efficacy of female leadership is not surprising. We have observed, experienced, and cherished it. I’ve witnessed it in the Latinas and non-Latinas I coach, our women clients and supporters, in my female colleagues, my son’s girl friends, my own girl friends, my service providers
Therefore, curious minds want to know…
๐บ What is your organization doing to harness the potential of female leadership?
๐บ How is your organization evaluating its processes and policies to address gender discrimination?
๐บ What steps are being taken to mitigate unequal access to resources and opportunities, as well as to confront implicit biases and stereotypes that disadvantage women in the workplace?
๐บ In what ways are you nurturing the leadership and management skills of your female leaders?
๐บ How does your talent management and development budget support the growth of women leaders?
๐บ What approaches have YOU found EFFECTIVE in supporting and advancing the role of women in leadership positions?
In the face of rapid change and disruption, well supported women leader will be the key to continuous progress and advancement. What are you doing to make this a reality in your organization?
