Why Women Tend to Lead Better Than Men

Malala Yousafzai, a heroic contemporary young woman, influenced change through a blog. She gained a leadership role by writing and eventually speaking out about the poor treatment of women and girls under the Taliban. This put her life at great risk, and she was targeted for assassination and shot in head. Thankfully she recovered. As a result, tremendous international support bolstered her efforts, and she was eventually honored with a Noble Peace Prize.

Elizabeth Blackwell demonstrated leadership skills by breaking the glass ceiling in medicine 168 years ago. She became the first woman doctor in the US. Twenty-nine colleges turned down her applications for medical school. She was ridiculed and was told it "wasn't women's work". But she didn't quit and finally, Hobart College accepted her, almost on a whim. The faculty and Dean really didn't know how to respond to her. So thinking that she'd have no chance for success, they said they would admit her if 100% of the 150 male students voted yes. They voted unanimously to accept her.

Change Comes but Slowly

Both of these women challenged the male status quo of their day. Isn't it interesting, after all of these years, while some progress is evident, the struggle for equality remains as a fight. Worldwide discrimination and inferior treatment continue to haunt women of all nationalities. One study says only one in five people worldwide believe women are inferior to men. Incredibly, some research says that men and women are equally likely to believe this. Russia, India, Serbia and China have the worst ratings about women's abilities.

However, three in four women around the world say that there are unequal rights in their country even though 88% of people want equality to exist. The Global Gender Gap research of 2018 gives the world a 68% rating across 140 countries. This means that women are deprived of approximately one-third of the rights of men: politically, economically, educationally and for health/survival. Scandinavian countries have the best ratings averaging around 80%. Overall, results suggest that global parity might be reached in 107 years. So, progress is painfully and embarrassingly slow.

Women in America face great inequalities in the workplace, as identified in a recent Chicago Tribune article. The US rating for equality is only 72%. To quote Gloria Steinem: "Gender is probably the most restricting force in American life." In addition:

• Women are rated lower in their competence by U.S. 'decision-makers' (mostly white males).
• Pay is generally one third less than males in the same job, over a lifetime.
• There is a widespread lack of recognition or credit.
• Men are promoted more on potential, women on performance. As a result women often get passed over for well deserved promotions.Their leadership role unfairly limited.
• Women receive fewer second chances.

Women Compared to Men in Leadership Roles

Businesses, this country, and the world desperately need leaders with a elevated mindset. In their highly disengaged state, employees are begging for better more honest leaders. Research suggests compelling evidence that many women tend to adopt more effective leadership approaches and styles than men. They tend to be more benevolent, compassionate, ethical and work for the common good. Because of workplace inequalities, women tend to work harder, collaborate more and keep learning or studying to get ahead.

According to personality profiler Dr. Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, men have a tendency to narcissism and hubris which often leads to serious leadership mistakes and failure. Studies show that men tend to obtain more leadership jobs because confidence is often confused for competence.

The Next Revolution in Leadership Thought

Elizabeth Blackwell confronted discrimination in a time where all aspects of life were even more male-dominated. She forged ahead and declared, "My mind is fully made up. I have not the slightest hesitation on the subject; the thorough study of medicine, I am quite resolved to go through with. The horrors and disgusts I have no doubt of vanquishing. I have overcome stronger distastes than any that now remain, and feel fully equal to the contest."

 I believe that the next great advance in leadership thought is happening now and is about the power of people regardless of their gender, nationality, color of their skin, height, weight etc. I believe that women are at the forefront of this movement. Maybe we need reverse discrimination and sexism to pull this off? By this I mean if organizations primarily focused on competence and performance and not gender, many more women would rise as leaders. This would also begin to reverse the widespread levels of leadership distrust around the world.

Agree? What do you think?

P.S.

More on Malala Yousafzai

Malala is a human rights activist. Her family operates a chain of schools. Inspired by her father's efforts and ideals, Malala started a blog at the age of 11. Under a pseudonym, she began to write about life under Taliban occupation. She spoke out against how women and young girls were treated. Her writings attracted attention and a documentary was made about her. Desmond Tutu nominated her for the International Children's Peace Prize. Later while on a bus with others, a Taliban gunman tried to kill her. She survived and continued activism for the right of girls to an education. She became the youngest co-recipient of a Noble Peace Prize in 2014. She has founded a non-profit organization called the Malala Fund, and authored an international best selling book, I am Malala.

More on Elizabeth Blackwell

After completing her degree, Elizabeth continued her studies in Europe. Just like in America, discrimination rose strongly against her. She was allowed to be enrolled in La Maternité clinic/hospital as a student midwife, but not accredited as a physician. She did gain much additional medical experience. Eventually returning to America, she started writing and lecturing to make her way. She created the Blackwell Sisters that helped in the Civil War. Blackwell steadfastly dealt with all obstacles and went on to establish hospitals in New York and London. While engaged in medicine she championed many social reforms in the US and Europe.

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