Female leaders at an advantage

Leadership

Continuing HRM's exploration of what leadership really means, a new report released today has suggested that female leaders could be placed at an advantage as traditionally "feminine" qualities become highly sort after in the workplace.

The study, conducted by worldwide executive development firm ASPIRE, is based on the responses of more than 300 global leaders, and found that so-called "transformational" behaviors - which include things such as long-term vision, teamwork, empowerment and effective communication skills - now form an essential part of the leadership skills that are critical for the future of the global economy.

Traditionally this is the domain of women and was once considered as a hindrance to their effectiveness in the workplace, now though these skills are now to be so critical to successful leadership that analysts believe female leaders may be put an advantage in the workplace.

Highly-valued

The research suggests that these behaviors, combined with new transformational traits such as ethical decision making and parenting skills, once labelled as "feminine" and "soft", are now highly-valued. According to a new measure, Leadership Intelligence, behavior like making that high risk/high reward deal in record time and never mind the consequences is out.

So do women make better leaders? Well, according to the research women tend to be better leaders because they tend to improve their skills with age and business or parenting experience. The study suggests that those who are seen to have the most leadership ability take jobs to make a difference and have a challenge in a company they believe in. They are frustrated by hierarchies, work-life balance and lack of opportunities to do what they came for.

Integrity

Results also show that survey participants cited Barack Obama for his "inspiring vision, courage, intelligence and integrity", Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, for her "courage and pragmatic approach", and a host of other political, business and sports leaders who they believe have a vision, stand for something and have made a difference.

It seems, then, that is hope for an influx of female leaders. "The old school style of many politicians and corporate CEOs is on the way out," says Dr. Samantha Collins, Founder and Director of ASPIRE. "Despite significant advancements, women are still underrepresented in today’s boardrooms—something that needs to be rectified.

"This is not just a female issue, this is a leadership issue that needs to be solved by both men and women," she adds. “The time is now. Ask yourself what your company will do to develop the new generation of leaders?"

Matthew Buttell

Matt Buttell graduated from Bath Spa University in 2006. Since then he has written for several publications, before moving to the web. He now writes solely for the internet, continuing to cover key business issues while managing his own personal blog.

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