WOMEN who hold senior positions are likely to be more persuasive, assertive and willing to take risks than their male counterparts
WOMEN who hold senior positions are likely to be more persuasive, assertive and more willing to take risks than their male counterparts.
So says a recent study into the specific traits most common in senior women business leaders in the United Kingdom and the United States, which then compared these with the traits of male business leaders.
The study, which took in more than 60 women leaders from major global companies, found strong similarities between women leaders in the two countries, and revealed that women leaders mainly possess the following qualities: they are highly assertive, urgent, persuasive, collaborative and intelligent risk-takers.
The research, conducted by Aurora, an organisation that advances women, and management consulting firm Caliper, found such females do feel the sting of rejection more than their male counterparts but they rapidly develop an ‘I’ll show you’ attitude.
Women leaders also possess an inclusive team-oriented style of problem solving and decision making, and are more likely than their male counterparts to ignore rules and take risks.
“There is still a lack of critical mass regarding women leaders at the top of corporations so to get there women need to be highly visible and quite persuasive about their ability,” said Glenda Stone, CEO of Aurora.
“The collaborative leadership style of women leaders is valuable for retaining employees and widely considering issues and business decisions so the best economic results can be obtained.”
The DNA of Women Leaders study found that women leaders tend to share the view that they strengthen themselves by strengthening others. These qualities combine to create a leadership style that is inclusive, open, consensus building, collaborative, and collegial.
“Women in senior positions have usually been very determined about getting where they are,” said Herb Greenberg, CEO of Caliper.
“Their persuasiveness, flexibility and assertiveness enable them to listen, learn, reflect, then implement a plan that incorporates the best of everyone’s ideas. This approach ideally positions them for great leadership in today’s business environment.”
The personality qualities of women leaders in the United Kingdom and the United States demonstrate that both have a leadership profile that is very conducive to today’s diverse workplace where information is shared freely and teamwork distinguishes the best companies.
