I'm facilitating part of a leadership program right now- 25 up and coming women leaders. Terrific group of women. A lot of talent in the room. On one of the first days of their year-long course, they studied male vs female leadership characteristics. Every time I think about it, something in me squirms. I don't even know really what I think, I just know that when we say women leaders are more xyz and men leaders are more abc: I sorta scrunch up my face. Perhaps it's because I've worked with many many leaders, male and female, and many of the men were consultative, sensitive, empathetic and many of the women were assertive, hard-nosed and decisive. Even as I write out those words my skin kinda contracts- like I'm saying bad words. Am I the only one who feels like something is wrong with calling any characteristics male or female? I hate the expression "He's in touch with his feminine side." No, he's just learned that being kind and understanding is a HUMAN thing and highly valued.
Maybe it's my upbringing: my Dad raised us and my Mom was a tremendous influence as a successful woman manager and leader. So, I'm used to people just doing what they do well (and what needs to be done) no matter their gender. But, I realize that my perspective may not be shared by that many. Obviously, if a whole day of our leadership program's curriculum was spent extolling the virtues of a female leader, some people must believe that there's a difference. Do you? Do you still see a marked difference in the way that women lead vs men? Can you give some specific examples? And what about this concept that women leaders are actually more competitive with their female counterparts than their male colleagues? Have you heard that as well? See, I've never experienced it personally so I'm curious if it's a made up "cat-fight" (UGH!) stereotype. I'm hoping so. I sorta thought we were beyond all of this. I almost don't want to get into the debate in case I'm wrong!

In your organization, are there more women or men leaders? Even? Do you think it's your industry? I worked in real estate forever, and, yes, the entire senior team save me, the HR person, were men. I know that's not surprising- so perhaps there are roles that are still more commonly held by women, but once in the role- do they really have such clearly demarcated styles?

Someone please chime in and give me your impression/opinion.

I'm of the humble opinion, that people are excellent as managers and leaders because they understand their strengths and now how to leverage them to serve in the best way they can- whether they pee standing up or not. (I hope I can say that.)(See, that's the Canadian in me- worried about offending. Sorry if I did. (More Canadian: apologizing for everything)). (Brings up a good point though: more difference between leaders culturally than based on gender?)(Overdoing the parentheses.)

Tell me your opinion!