Originally published September 6, 2022 , updated on January 16, 2023

Last year was tough. An ongoing pandemic, racial tensions, political instability – the list goes on. As we reflect on the past year’s challenges, it’s essential that we also look toward the future and the leaders that will help us navigate these uncharted waters.

Now more than ever, the world needs strong feminine leadership. People with feminine traits are compassionate and caring for others but also brave and resilient. They are leaders who can bring people together, despite their differences. Leaders who can see the world with a clear perspective and work towards making it a better place for all. 

Diversity in leadership is essential to achieving success. A mix of perspectives and backgrounds creates a well-rounded team that can tackle any challenge thrown its way. So let’s commit to elevating more women into leadership roles. We need their voices now more than ever.

What Is Feminine Leadership?

Many more women leaders have risen to the top in recent times. From New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden and Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen to Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel, it’s clear that the transformational impact feminine leadership brings is not only recognised but required. 

A recent article in the Harvard Business Review writes that leaders who have “compassion, the care and empathy shown towards others, combined with the intention to support and help” create a workspace that harbours 86% higher satisfaction rates.

Feminine leaders are shown to be empathetic and compassionate. They can engage all stakeholders openly and transparently. This has helped to build trust and confidence among the people they serve. As we enter a new normal, it’s clear that the world needs more women leaders who can provide visionary and moral leadership.

The benefits of cultivating feminine leadership 

While many qualities make a good leader, some argue that women leaders tend to display certain feminine leadership traits that are essential for success. These traits include the innate concern for the well-being of others, as well as the ability to consider the long-term impact while securing a psychological sanctuary for people around them. 

Having all types of leaders in an organisation remains important. However, these feminine leadership qualities can be particularly valuable in creating a thriving workplace. For example, leaders who care about the development of their employees are more likely to create a positive work environment and foster a culture of growth. Those who can see the long-term vision for their organisation are more likely to make decisions that lead to lasting success. And finally, leaders who provide a safe environment for their employees are more likely to encourage creativity and open communication. All of these qualities are essential for creating a successful and sustainable business.

How to Invite Feminine Leadership Into the Workplace

There’s no doubt that, in the business world, masculine leadership traits have been traditionally revered and seen as essential for success. But it’s important to remember that feminine leadership qualities are just as important and that both men and women share these traits. 

Recently, we’ve seen a shift from the traditional “command and control” leadership style toward a more collaborative approach. And while this is primarily due to the growing number of women in leadership positions, it’s also because we’re starting to recognise that both feminine and masculine leadership styles are equally valuable. 

Most importantly, we create an environment where all leaders can bring their authentic selves to the table. They canlead with their unique combination of masculine and feminine traits. Only then can we truly unlock the full potential of our organisations.

Acknowledge Different Strengths

We often think of masculinity and femininity as two opposite ends of a spectrum, with men falling on the masculine side and women falling on the feminine side. However, this is not always the case. 

In fact, many people fall somewhere in the middle or switch back and forth depending on the situation. The problem arises when people try to enhance their masculinity or femininity to be treated fairly.

To create safer work environments, it is important to take the emphasis off of competitive behaviour and reward team effort instead. When mistakes are made, they should be discussed with humour and compassion to normalise them. This will help to create a space where people feel comfortable admitting when they make errors. Celebrating feminine traits in both men and women will help to break down gender stereotypes. As a result, it creates a more inclusive workplace. 

Ultimately, by focusing on team efforts and creating a supportive environment, we can encourage people to feel more comfortable taking risks and making mistakes. This, in turn, will lead to greater innovation and creativity.

Empathy Over Authority 

As a leader, finding the right balance between being directive, and giving your team the freedom to be creative and resourceful, is important. If you’re too directive, you risk constraining your team’s creativity. Consequently, you leave them no room to express themselves and showcase their true abilities. 

On the other hand, if you’re not directive enough, you may find that your team is lost and uncertain of what they should be doing. The key is to strike a balance between the two extremes. 

Give your team clear expectations and goals, but also allow them the freedom to be creative and express themselves. By doing so, you’ll create an environment where your team can thrive and be successful.

Reframe the Existing Narrative 

Confirmation bias is the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation of one’s existing beliefs or theories. This phenomenon can lead us to inaccurately perceive reality and make decisions that are not in our best interests. 

When discussing gender dynamics, it is important to remember that not everyone experiences gender similarly. This is why it is so important to ask questions and learn about the experiences of others. 

It is also crucial to be inclusive of the LGBTQ+ community in any discussion of gender dynamics. By doing so, we can create a more accurate and complete picture of the complex reality of gender inequality.

Zero Tolerance 

Despite the #MeToo movement and increased public awareness of sexual harassment, this issue is still prevalent in workplaces across the country. It’s important for employees to feel safe and respected at work, and no one should have to tolerate sexual harassment.

To create and maintain a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and other forms of inappropriate conduct, it is essential to have a zero-tolerance policy in place. You should clearly state this policy in employee handbooks and other company policies. Also, business owners should regularly remind employees of the policy through workshops and training. 

Any concerns that are reported should be taken seriously and investigated promptly. By taking these steps, companies can create an environment that is respectful and inclusive for all employees.

When society starts to embrace feminine traits and view them as positive leadership qualities, we will experience a more inclusive and creative world. 

Goodman Lantern is proud to have strong women leaders paving the way. If you’d like to learn more about improving workplace diversity, read our latest blog here. 

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