What can men learn from female leaders?

"Female leaders in business are like skilled navigators, steering companies through challenges and uncertainties with their resilience, adaptability, and strategic thinking."

#Leadership has traditionally been considered a male-dominated field, with men holding the majority of leadership positions in businesses and organizations. However, women have been breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings recently, proving that they too have what it takes to lead effectively.

As a coach and mentor to multiple male and female leaders, I can say women have recognised their unique leadership style and turned it into In fact, there are several valuable leadership lessons that men can learn from women. Here are seven important lessons that men can learn from women when it comes to leadership.

#Be yourself!

There is a popular trend of telling women to "lean in" to qualities like assertiveness, boldness, and confidence. However, these same qualities can manifest in men as self-promotion, taking credit for others' achievements, and acting in aggressive ways. Instead of simply "leaning in," men should focus on developing genuine talents and skills that will make them effective leaders. Leaning in without the necessary abilities to back it up can do more harm than good in the long run.

#Recognise your limitations.

In a world that often celebrates self-belief and confidence, it is crucial for leaders to have self-awareness and know their own limitations. This means recognizing when they need to seek help or advice from others, and being open to feedback and self-improvement. Women have been known for their ability to acknowledge their limitations and focus on their strengths, and men can benefit from adopting this mindset as well.

#Motivate through transformation.

Studies have proved that women tend to lead through inspiration and transformation rather than through traditional methods of carrots and sticks. Transformational leadership involves aligning people with meaning and purpose and inspiring them to reach their full potential. This approach has been linked to higher levels of team engagement, performance, and productivity, making it a valuable lesson for men to learn from women.

#Put your people ahead of yourself.

True leadership is not about personal gain and advancement, but rather about putting the needs and wellbeing of others ahead of one's own. Men who see leadership as a means to gain status or financial success may struggle to foster a positive and productive team environment. Women, on the other hand, are often more focused on elevating and empowering their team members, making them effective leaders who prioritize the needs of their people.

#Don't command; empathize.

In the past, women have been told that they are too kind and caring to be effective leaders. However, the idea that leaders must be ruthless and emotionless is outdated. In today's world, successful leaders are those who establish an emotional connection with their team members, showing empathy and understanding. Women have been known for their empathetic nature, making them prime examples of effective leadership in this regard.

#Focus on developing others.

Female leaders have been shown to be more likely to coach, mentor, and develop their direct reports compared to their male counterparts. They are true talent agents, using feedback and guidance to help their team members grow and reach their full potential. This approach requires less focus on transactional tasks and more strategic thinking, as well as the willingness to hire people who may be more skilled than themselves.

#Be humble.

Lately, there has been a call for more humble leaders, yet we continue to see overconfident and narcissistic leaders in positions of power. Studies have shown that women tend to be more humble than men, making them natural leaders in this sense. Humble leaders are open to feedback, willing to admit their mistakes, and prioritize the success of their team over their own ego.

In conclusion, men have much to learn from women when it comes to effective leadership. By embracing qualities such as self-awareness, empathy, and humility, men can become better leaders and create more positive and productive work environments. It's time to break away from traditional notions of male leadership and look to the examples set by successful female leaders. By doing so, we can create a more diverse and inclusive leadership landscape that benefits everyone.

#Ready to start your journey?

Every successful change begins with a single step – a step driven by determination, courage, and unwavering belief in oneself. Take that step today, and chart your course towards a fulfilling and successful leadership.

I am offering a couple of free-of-charge consultations to people wishing to discuss their challenges. Book your session here: https://calendly.com/beatastaszkow/30min

Bye for now, and see you next week!