Recently a colleague offered a provocative observation that leadership is being feminized. What did he mean by that? Well, he observed, “feminine” qualities such as care and empathy have become more highly prized in assessing leadership potential than classic “masculine” qualities like assertiveness and drive for results. His point was that each of these qualities contributes to success at the executive level, but some are being emphasized to the detriment of developing others.

His point was that each of these qualities contributes to success at the executive level, but some are being emphasized to the detriment of developing others.

Juxtapose that conversation with the story another colleague shared about a coaching session where she was discussing ideal leadership qualities with a client. This C-level executive, like many these days, was working from home. As he spoke with his executive coach, his teenage daughter sat nearby, doing her school work.  The foundational coaching question may sound familiar to those who have participated in leadership development programs.

“Bring to mind the best leaders you have worked with. What characteristics made those individuals great leaders?”

The executive began listing qualities such as:

• Respect
• Empathy
• Good listener
• Genuine

Several minutes into the conversation, the teenager, who had clearly been tracking the entire discussion, spoke up from the other side of the room, “But Dad, aren’t those qualities about just being human?” 

These two, very different conversations made me wonder.

Respect, empathy, listening …. aren’t those qualities about just being human?

Why are driving for results and retaining one’s humanity seen as mutually exclusive?  

The best leaders I know are able to paint a clear vision of where they are going and what it will take to achieve the top two or three things that will make a difference. They are quite driven to succeed.  Importantly, that drive is balanced with authentic respect, care, and connection with their teams.  Their words and actions are congruent, and through clear communication – both what they say and how they listen – they ignite commitment and inspire outstanding results. 

Is that “feminine” or is it “masculine”? Or, maybe, is it possible that it is just “human”?

When you think about the leadership characteristics you most want to embody, what qualities will you bring to your interactions today?

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/good-leadership-masculine-feminine-human-phyllis-sarkaria-mcec/