adpapa Editor
15 May 2021
The way female leaders handled the pandemic is proof of the fact that they’re capable of handling a large company and in some cases, a whole nation. Unfortunately, female leaders only account for 7% of the world’s leaders.
Women don’t work the same way men do. Even though several organisations have shown interest in promoting female leaders, there’s been very few organisation who’s actually encouraged and supported the women of their organisation.
One of the biggest reasons why very few men make it to the top is because it’s believed that they can only do so by behaving like men.
The truth is, instead of asking women to model men’s behaviour, the opposite should be done. By adopting these leadership lessons from women, men will be able to advance in their careers faster and be more efficient at their jobs.
Here are 7 Leadership Lessons Men Can Learn From Women:
#1. Be More Empathetic
Women are more empathetic than men. Being empathetic doesn’t mean you’re weak. Instead, it helps you be more kind and understand the needs of the people around you. Leadership today demands you to establish connections with people if you truly want to influence them. It’s only possible if you’re empathetic.
#2. Be Truthful
The value of truth can’t be discounted. It’s vital as it helps overcome uncertainties, equips people with the necessary knowledge and gives them the power to make correct decisions.
When things got out of hand during the pandemic in Germany, Angela Markel, Chancellor of Germany honestly told its citizens that the virus is to be taken seriously and things may get difficult in the future.
#3. Strike a Work-Life Balance
Since men don’t have to manage their homes, they usually draft organisational policies that lack work-life balance. On the other hand, women know the hard work required to finish domestic chores and understand the importance of work-life balance.
Therefore, female leaders prioritize work-life balance not only for themselves but also for their employees.
#4. Focus on Uplifting Others
Female leaders are more likely to direct, coach, mentor and uplift the people around them. Women are the true talent agents who use feedback and direction to help individuals grow.
They’re more static and less transactional in their relationships which helps them unlock other’s potential and promote effective communication and cooperation within their teams.
#5. Put Other People Before Yourself
Male leaders are known to be self-centred and this affects everyone around them. However, female leaders understand that if they want to build a high-performing team, they need to focus on the team members first.
This is something most women are good at. They nurture colleagues, care about their well-being and helps them discover their potential. On the other hand, men only focus on deadlines and goals and rarely ever ponder on the people who’re a part of their team.
#6. Own Your Limitations
Women are more self-aware than men and that helps them understand their weaknesses and flaws. Women are not as insecure as they’re believed to be and are less overconfident than men, enabling them to understand how other people see them and analyse the space between where they are and where they want to be.
Since women see themselves in a critical way, it helps them prepare (and over prepare in since cases) which is a solid way to increase your performance and competence.
#7. Don’t Lean In
Women are often told to “lean in” to qualities like confidence, boldness or assertiveness. On the other hand, such qualities in men are manifested as being aggressive, taking credit for other people’s achievements or self-promotion.
There has never been a strong connection between being good at something and leaning in and therefore men need to stop falling for individuals who lean in when they lack the talent to back it up. Logically, we want to promote individuals into leadership roles when they’re competent rather than confident, selecting them for their impeccable track record, leadership qualities and expertise.
The Takeaway
Women are more competent and therefore, make excellent leaders. These 7 critical lessons will help create a better pool of role models who can pave the way for both competent women and men to advance.
About the Author
Shristi is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys writing about Intuitive Counseling and Spiritual Mind Treatment. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook.
