By Norene Ball, Director of Mission Impact at YWCA Mclean County and Rev. Cheree’ Johnson
For the first time in history, women today outnumber men in the rate of college graduations. In fact, 40 percent of women in the United States are now the primary breadwinners of the family. As of 2012, women outnumber men in the workforce and are moving into leadership positions in record numbers. However, rather than depending on their own instinctive leadership styles, many women are still employing a
Female leaders today have many of the same qualities as their male colleagues, especially an ability to set high goals and inspire others to fulfill them. But women are different in some particular ways that make them valuable additions to decision making teams. Many consider women’s leadership to be naïve because it is not a style that needs to be in control, or demands that employees adapt to a system that is already in place. Feminine leadership helps employees recognize they are an integral part of the organization and their best efforts are needed to make the organization successful. Feminine leadership is collaborative; it nurtures and develops the gifts of those around the leader. Women leaders tend to be empathetic, flexible, and possess strong interpersonal skills. These qualities combine to create a leadership style that is inclusive, open, consensus building, collaborative, and collegial. Women are often most motivated by the purpose or meaning of their work rather than focusing on compensation and job titles. According to Forbes Magazine, women also tend to show more emotions at work and are more risk averse.
Today, many businesses are starting to take a closer look at this collaborative style that is so familiar to women. Some are starting to recognize that today’s complex organizational problems are not simply solved by one person, but require imagination and creativity that comes through cooperative and collaborative problem solving. Indeed, most of the skills women typically hone in their private life transition well into the corporate world.
As this unique and collaborative style of leadership emerges and advances, many male leaders are in fact turning to this new approach to leading an organization. YWCA McLean County gained a new male leader about three years ago, and he is being recognized for his collaborative and humanistic approach to leadership. When asked about his leadership style, President and CEO, D. Dontae Latson said, “I think many male leaders fail to realize the importance of encompassing both EQ (emotional quotient) as well as the IQ (intelligence quotient) to the work place.”
Women start careers in business and other professions with the same level of intelligence, education, and commitment as men. All men and women with the ability, desire, and perseverance to lead should be encouraged to fulfill their potential and leave their mark. In today’s world, women do not need to fear bringing their own style of leadership to the workplace.
For more information about women’s leadership in the workplace, please contact Norene Ball, Director of Mission Impact at YWCA Mclean County. Mission Impact programs promote YWCA’s mission through programs and services that influence racial justice and
If you know of a female leader in McLean County who is leaving their mark by leading and positively impacting the community, nominate them for a prestigious Women of Distinction award. This YWCA national initiative recognizes the professional and personal achievements of women in McLean County. To nominate someone for a Women of Distinction award, please visit www.ywcamclean.org/WomenOfDistinction. If you have any questions, please contact Gena Glover, Director of Grants and Development at YWCA McLean County, at 309-662-0461, ext. 272, or email gglover@ywcamclean.org.