Career Skills You Can Learn from Women Leaders

Women Leader
January 28, 2017
76 / 100

~by Katie McGregor~

It’s shouldn’t be news to you that there are more male leaders than female leaders. This is an issue on its own that can be discussed in length, but the gist of the argument is that by having an equal mix of men and women, their unique gendered abilities will bring more growth than a male-dominated work force.

What specific qualities can women leaders teach to others to help bring success?

CommunicationCareer Skills You Can Learn from Women Leaders 1

If we go back to the origins of humans, we began as hunters and gatherers. Men upheld hunting roles since they had more physical strength. Women’s roles were gathering and upholding the community, which required a lot of communication to create and maintain relationships. This learned behavior is deeply ingrained in our genes and can be seen in the modern world of work today. Males tend to be short and purposeful in communication while women are generally thorough and two-way communicators.

By this way of thinking, it makes complete sense that when you think of a male boss, he is issuing commands and communicating in a direct, one-way manner. As for women leaders, you can learn a lot more about how to have inclusive communication to create a more successful company culture.

Many post-World War II studies have suggested that women are generally better at getting longer-lasting results because they have an open and more communication-friendly leadership style. While women tend to be participatory and interactive, men tend to have a commanding and controlling approach to leadership. By being an interactive communicator who is open to other’s ideas, you will gain more success in your leadership.

Career Skills You Can Learn from Women Leaders 2Teamwork

Since women are inclusive communicators, they are naturally great at teamwork. A study from MIT found that the most efficient groups were those that were made up mostly by women. They concluded that since women are designed to read and interpret people’s feelings through nonverbal signals, women have higher levels of emotional intelligence, which is extremely beneficial in a team-like setting.

Men tend to have a competitive goal when it comes to teamwork, while women focus more on maintaining the synergy of the group by being attentive to others. This is something we can all learn from in order to be more successful in our teams, especially since most work environments are set up in teams. By actively paying attention to your group member’s nonverbal and verbal communications in an inclusive manner, the team will thrive and be able to tackle any challenge as one unit working together instead of in competition.

Role ModelsCareer Skills You Can Learn from Women Leaders 3

The best thing to learn from powerful women leaders is that any young woman can reach the pinnacle of any organization. A woman’s views on leadership begin in early childhood from the values she learns and her exposure to leaders. And with so few female leaders to look up to, it is hard for girls to have someone relatable to look up to. On a more personal level, the same can be true about mentors.

Confidence, the encouragement of positive role models, and the presence of a strong professional network can help shape a woman’s view on leadership in the workplace. Women leaders can be excellent role models for others who have similar dreams, teaching young women that they too can become an excellent leader.


Meet the Author: Katie McGregor

Katie McGregor, a PMP course expert, is a contributor at Crush, the PM Exam where you can find all the tips and tricks for all things Project Management.

Categories

More Posts:

Occupational Hazards That Come With an Office Job

Working in an office can be a great way to make a living, but it also comes with certain risks. Sitting at a desk for long hours and staring at screens can lead to physical ailments that not only cause discomfort but could eventually lead to more serious health...

Role of female entrepreneurs in a changing society

Over the past few decades, there has been a significant increase in female entrepreneurship. More women are choosing to launch their businesses and participate in the world of business creation, one of the rapidly expanding facets of entrepreneurship globally. But in...

Explaining the What, Why, and How of Strategic Alliance

A strategic alliance is a business arrangement in which two or more companies come together to form a partnership to pursue a common goal. By teaming up, these companies can leverage each other's strengths and resources to achieve their objectives more quickly and...

7 Essential Tips for Maintaining a High Standard of Health and Safety in Your Organization

Workplace health and safety is a legal obligation that all employers must adhere to. But apart from ensuring compliance and avoiding legal issues, maintaining high health and safety standards can come with a number of benefits for your business as well. With the right...

What women entrepreneurs can do to compete in the market and earn lucrative incomes?

The backbone of the nation's economy is supported by entrepreneurship, which also generates a large number of attractive jobs in the marketplace. Many more people are starting their own businesses now thanks to programs like Make in India and Vocal for Local. In...

EDII to join hands with corporates to create 10,000 women-led green businesses

EDII Director General Sunil Shukla stated that the institute has been successful in giving entrepreneurial and skill development training to craftsmen, weavers, women startup founders, and the unemployed, which has led to sustainable livelihood possibilities for those...

WHY THE WORLD NEEDS WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS?

INTRODUCTION For one, women are often natural problem-solvers and are very good at multitasking. This makes them well-suited for starting and running their businesses. Additionally, women are often very good at networking and building relationships, which can help...

A start-ups boom in the US, led by female entrepreneurs

According to the findings of a recent poll, women and people of color are spearheading the surge in the formation of new businesses in the United States. According to Gusto, a firm that provides cloud-based human resources software, over half of all new businesses in...

New Data Shows Growth in Women Entrepreneurs up 48%; Outpacing Male Counterparts by Over 20%

Women in every region of the globe are emerging from the relative obscurity of the home and family spheres to assume positions of authority in fields that were traditionally seen as being solely the purview of males. The tides are turning in a positive direction at...

How to Gain the Skills You Need to Be a Successful Entrepreneur

Being a successful entrepreneur takes many skills. You need knowledge in business, leadership, and critical thinking, among others. Having the necessary skills is what separates a successful from an unsuccessful entrepreneur. To gain the skills you need you can get...

All Categories

Business Operations

Entrepreneur Interviews

Marketing, Networking, & Social Media

Self Care & Personal Development

Working Moms

Business Software and Technology

Entrepreneurship & Small Business

Organizing Tips

Sales

Career Building

Family Businesses

Inspiration

Starting Your Own Business

Work-Life Balance

Communication

Hiring Help

Management & Leadership

Time Management & Priorities

Women in Leadership

Recent Posts

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

Why Your Business Should Offer HSA-Compatible Health Plans

As a business owner, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your employees. If you offer good benefits, such as healthcare, you’ll be more likely to hire and maintain the best employees.  Here are a few reasons why your business should...

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

When it’s Time to Hire an HR Professional for Your Company

As your business continues to expand, it might be a wise decision to employ an HR specialist who can help you manage and optimize your workforce. An HR expert brings with them essential services that will streamline the operations of your company while keeping your...

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

Why Your Office Needs High-Quality Chairs

For any business or organization, the right office furniture is vital. Quality chairs are essential and can help bolster productivity, decrease employee health issues, and remain operable longer than budget substitutes. Investing in quality office chairs provides...

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

How to Quickly Capture Attention on Social Media

Social media is invaluable for marketers and business owners, especially those working with small businesses. It’s a great way to get the company in front of more people, allowing you to attract more customers. Of course, it’s not enough to just get seen on social...

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Tips for Starting a Gardening Business in Your Community

Embarking on a gardening business is a bewildering journey that promises both intrinsic satisfaction and monetary success. The paramount initial step is to scrutinize the varied gamut of services you would want to render, followed by an intricate search for tools and supplies to substantiate the execution of those services. Crafting a business and financial plan is an absolute must, especially given the burgeoning competition from fellow green-thumbed entrepreneurs amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Establishing an online presence through a website and social media and designing business cards and flyers are integral to drumming up business. Lastly, building a loyal clientele and network is paramount for sustained success in the horticultural realm.

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

How to Protect Your Personal Finances From Black Swan Events

Life throws us an occasional curveball; it’s just a part of life. But what if your finances take a hit due to something outside of your control?  Black swan events are rare, but they occur and can cause massive financial losses. The key is to be prepared for the worst...