The Leadership Debate: Who Leads Better - Men or Women?

Corner Office Carol Smith
No Doubts: Women Are Better Managers
Published: July 26, 2009 Women Are Better Managers?

Ah, the age old debate about who makes the better leader - men or women. In my own experience, each sex has its own strengthens and weaknesses; but it is unfair to declare one sex more capable of leading than the other. Ultimately, it depends on the leading style and personality of the manager versus whether or not the boss is male of female. I've encountered female bosses who were gossipy, insecure and unaware of how to utilize their position as a positive force in management.

At the same time, I have witnessed male bosses play favorites, become overtly emotional, or fail to lead at all. These traits are not immune to just one sex. In the article, Carol Smith mentioned "Men also, they’re definitely better on the “whatever” side. Things tend to roll off their back. We women take things very personally."

In certain cases, this may be true, but not always. Yes, women may be emotional, but there are quite a few of us who do not wear our emotions on our sleeve and embrace the mantra "it's not personal - it's just business." (Again, we are not all running to the bathroom teary-eyed after a less than stellar performance review...but I digress.) I do, however; give Ms. Smith kudos for breaking down the superiority wall and wanting to connect with her subordinates by sitting in the middle of the board room table and building honest relationship with clients and staff through meals. (You learn a lot through a meal.)

If anything, men and women can become great leaders by adopting great communication skills, exercising good judgement, integrity, time-management, and organization with a definite vision and strategic plan for producing results. Let's leave the emotions and power/ego trips at home and continue to learn on a personal and professional level together - both men AND women. The best results are produced when we strive to work collectively.