Attributes of Women Leaders

Women are in the forefront of creating a new leadership paradigm.

“Results from a recent survey provide evidence that women bring distinct personality and motivational strengths to leadership roles — and do so in a style that is more conducive to today’s diverse workplace“ (Greenberg & Sweeney, 2005, p. 33).

Findings from the survey were that women leaders are more persuasive, have a stronger need to get things done and are more willing to take risks than their male counterparts. Women leaders are inclusive and collaborative. They combine openness, flexibility, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills. These characteristics are not restricted to women, but they are setting the bar.

Women leaders are especially skilled at seeing all sides of a situation, which enhances their persuasive ability. They can zero in on objections or concerns, weigh them appropriately, address them effectively and incorporate them into the grander scheme of things, when appropriate. Women leaders are able to do this because they genuinely understand and care about where others are coming from. This allows them to come at a subject from their audience’s perspective, so that the people they lead feel more understood, supported and valued.

Reference

Greenberg, H., & Sweeney, P. (2005). Leadership: Qualities that distinguish women. Financial Executive, 32-36.