True: there are currently more male leaders than female in commerce and government.
False: that means that male leaders are more capable than female leaders.
Political correctness, equity, equality and culture have all had an impact on perceptions about which gender is best suited for leadership.
I say that gender alone has no significance on leadership ability.
Quality research shows that there are massive benefits in gender equality in leadership.
After all, we recognise the massive deficit in leadership performance globally – where the males currently dominate.
But political correctness, equity and equality factors are now causing women to be appointed to leadership positions just because they are women. That’s a knee jerk reaction that will add to the leadership deficit.
In my own experience as a developer and coach of leaders of both genders, I have found that it has nothing to do with gender, but with the following capabilities that both genders must have:
- Values – those qualities that rule why and how we choose what to do.
- Vision – why and what we are working towards.
- Communicating – so that everyone understands why, how and what we are doing.
- Attitudinal competence – able to select and adapt one’s best attitude for what has happened, is happening or might happen and not be held to ransom by habitual attitudes.
- Presence – that persona that inspires other to follow.
- Empathy – to understand and take into account how others are feeling and perceiving. To care for them.
- Decisiveness – able to make timely and tough decisions.
- Resilience – able to withstand and perform under tough conditions.
- ‘Learnability’ – always learning, never assuming ‘I already know’
- Vulnerability – willing to admit error or not knowing.
- Reflection – devoting time to considering what they have experienced, and learn from it.
Regardless of gender, leaders are made, not born. There must be a valid selection process, then appropriate development. Technical and operational expertise alone is not a valid criterion for leadership selection.
Leadership is about influencing, persuading and inspiring others, particularly in difficult situations.
I’ve had the privilege of helping men to reach their peak as leaders, board chairs and CEOs; and women who have achieved the same and even higher.
Based on their gender I cannot distinguish the difference between these wonderful people.
In an earlier role, though they weren’t leaders at the time, I have led and encountered both men and women in high risk actions and found that the women were equal to the men.
In the end it is down to selection on personal ability, intention and effective training. Not gender.
Women can be as strong and able as men, psychologically and physically – if they want to and do the work.
The gender bias is a cultural weakness that must change, and both men and women have to learn that.
What do you think?
