Business 10th Edition by Ferrell,Geoffrey Hirt,Linda Ferrell

Exercise 12

Managers Discover Benefits of Feminine Traits for Leadership
The collective idea of what it means to be a great leader is changing. In the past, successful leadership has often been associated with authoritative traits such as decisiveness, resilience, and confidence. These leaders tend to exude confidence and charisma, resulting in admiration and a desire to follow. However, over the past several years, the leadership landscape has been changing. Recurring scandals involving leaders and the widespread use of technology has increased the need for leadership traits such as integrity. Employees as well as consumers are placing a major emphasis on the values of leaders.
One study showed that traits increasingly desired in leaders include patience, flexibility, empathy, vulnerability, inclusiveness, generosity, and balance. Interestingly, all of these characteristics are generally considered to be feminine. While assertiveness and ambition-considered more masculine traits-remain important, leaders who have an emotional connection to their work, good listening skills, and generosity are now thought to be important for a successful firm. For instance, Oprah Winfrey, who has been described as a demanding but caring boss, and Whole Foods CEO John Mackey, who donates $100,000 every year toward a fund to help employees with personal struggles, have come to be highly admired. Leaders who exhibit these traits have been found to make more thoughtful decisions and have better relationships with their employees and customers, often resulting in successful company operations and profits. 32
Why are some characteristics traditionally associated as feminine considered important for leadership?