It’s no surprise women’s leadership styles differ from men’s. But are women more willing than men to take risks and break rules? Sure.
According to a new study by Caliper, a Princeton, N.J.-based management consulting firm, female leaders are more empathic, persuasive, better listeners and more willing to consider others’ points of view. But the study also found that women leaders exhibit behaviors–such as throwing caution to the wind–that run counter to the way women are perceived in general.
“You wouldn’t think women are more risk-oriented and more rules breakers,” said Herb Greenberg, president and CEO of Caliper. “They’re also more assertive than men. The reason for that is that they have to be.”
In fact, assertiveness is key to a woman’s ability to bounce back from rejection, Greenberg said. But without those other qualities women are known for, such as empathy, she could risk being labeled “a bitch,” he said.
“The woman needs that combination of qualities to protect her against prejudice,” Greenberg added.
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%% Comparing leadership styles
Behaviors Women Men
Persuasiveness 74 percent 56 percent
Assertiveness 83 percent 72 percent
Risk-taking 83 percent 72 percent
Empathy 71 percent 54 percent
Urgency 89 percent 82 percent
Sociability 54 percent 35 percent
Men outranked women in these categories
Behaviors Men Women
Thoroughness 42 percent 25 percent
Adhering to rules 27 percent 16 percent
Cautiousness 46 percent 31 percent
For the complete study, go to www.caliperonline.com/womenstudy
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staylor@tribune.com
