Summary
Female leadership faces cultural challenges and stereotypes, but brings innovation and strength to organizations.
Female leadership remains a challenging topic, especially in the corporate environment and in personal life. Even in times of significant progress in gender equality, many leaders still face judgment and opposition, which are cultural issues and stereotypes.
One of the central reasons for the biased perception of women in leadership is the historical division of their roles. Culturally, an image has been created that women are mothers, caregivers and responsible for the harmony of the home. This myth of the “mother” contradicts the business environment that sees women as a figure of power.
The image of the executive woman who assumes leadership requires creativity, assertiveness and decisive decision-making, often at odds with the traditional image of the woman in charge of taking care of others.
The separation of these roles creates discomfort in organizations and in personal life. Men are often seen as natural leaders, while women are judged more harshly for making similar decisions, as if there is an inherent conflict between being a good mother or wife and being a good manager.
And one of the biggest challenges we face is the perpetuation of female stereotypes. In this context we must understand that talking about female diversity is recognizing that women do not fit within a single definition. The mistake of thinking that there is a “best model” of female leadership limits the creative, strategic and innovative capacity of organizations and society.
Modern leadership requires a combination of skills: the ability to connect, motivate, listen, but also to make decisive decisions and act. These skills are not gender specific. In fact, women leaders stand out precisely because they bring new perspectives to the business environment. Women in leadership positions foster more inclusive company cultures, focusing on greater inclusion, innovation and employee well-being.
Overcoming the stigma surrounding women leaders requires a profound shift in the way we view power, talent, and gender. First of all, we must break with the idea that success in leadership is only for male role models. We need more visibility of the different styles, which not only value results, but also the human impact on organizations.
Likewise, the role of men is fundamental in this process of change. Men who lead with empathy and collaboration should be celebrated as much as women, because it is this symbiosis between the sexes that will strengthen organizations in the future.
Finally, it is important to understand that women do not need to conform to any specific standard to lead. There is no single path to female success. Each woman can create her own and true diversity comes from these multifaceted paths. The more we celebrate differences, the stronger we will be as a society and as an institution.
Female leadership is a source of innovation and strength, and it is the responsibility of all men and women to create a space for them to thrive without fear of being judged or oppressed.
It is time to adopt a new leadership model where gender is not a barrier, but a source of diversity and richness for our organizations.
João Roncati Director of People + Strategy
Consulting in Strategy, Planning and Human Development.
