Leaderships-training for women!
Module 1: ‘bezielend leiderschap’ starts November 1. 2012 van
Registration via www.xpand.eu
Over the last couple of years there has been increasingly more attention for female leadership. Governments have created programs and funds in order to develop diversity in the top segments, to help female talents to have more of a fair chance to rise to the top functions in business, politics, health-care etc, and to create more economic growth due to more participation of women on the job-market. Now, how do employees actually perceive female leaders, and are they generally better leaders than men? Some argue they are! Women are often better socially capable, are stronger in communication skills, and are more emphatic. Their EQ, in general, is higher, and exactly these competences often make them better managers, they argue. Others on the other hand believe that men are more capable in giving direction, that they make decisions a lot faster, and that they dare to take risks. In her research regarding gender and leadership Prof. Jana Stoker eventually came with an interesting conclusion. Various managers could be categorized into 4 groups...
1. Masculine (dominant, powerful, independent, risk-takers)
2. Feminine (warm, sensitive, affectionate and understanding)
3. Undifferentiated (score low on both Masculine and Feminine)
4. Androgynous (score high on both Masculine and Feminine)
Employees like the Androgynous leader the most. Under their leadership the employees are most satisfied with their work, and they feel that their division/office is functioning effectively. The research then showed that this type of leadership (Androgynous leadership) is found most in female managers. In other words, it is best to carry out masculine as well as feminine competences as a manager.
But if this is the case, why then do we find so few women in the top positions? I dare to say that it won’t be because most men in the top are very androgynous! Stoker argues it has much to do with the picture people have of a typical leader: a strong and dominant force. Hence, the first thing that pops in mind is probably far more likely to be a man.
How can women with ambition for leadership develop themselves further?
How can we help women – potential leaders – to help them realize their ambition? How can you, as a woman, develop your leadership competences, and how do you shape your ambition further? The next few steps can be quite useful in this context:
Spiritual Guidance
Finding some peace and quiet, and taking time for reflection. A basic principle that is very much applicable for both sexes, for anyone who wants to further develop her/his leadership competences. It also means taking responsibilities, within family, church, business or society.
Acceptance of my female identity
Facing the possible tensions of working together with men, and constructively working towards good cooperation. Mapping the tensions that you experience. Where do these tensions come from? How do you wish to deal with them?
Learning to implement feminine as well as masculine traits
In how far do you already use both types of traits? Do you have the courage to actively use all your masculine traits? You might for instance expressively choose to work within an environment that is dominated by strong male leaders in order to work on your own masculine competences. If you want to grow in courage and guts you could learn a great deal from a specifically chosen male leader – as role-model – as well. It might be a great way to experience that specific dynamic. Always ask yourself: what do I want to learn from my colleagues (women and men).
Discovering my ambitions and inner motivation
What is the red thread throughout your life? What has formed you? What ambitions derive from there out? Ambitions and goals are hugely important for our well-being (Anne Fels, influential American psychiatrist). If it is the ambition to take good care of your family, to excel in your job, to start with a new study, or to be really good at something and to attain acknowledgement, it fulfills a deep human desire. Leadership starts with giving direction. And to be able to give direction you have to be aware of your ambitions, you have to know your own direction. Sharing your ambitions with others will help you realizing them! Others will encourage you, keep track of your progress, and give you feedback
Jolanda Nooteboom, trainer/coach xpand
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