She Strengthens

Embracing Authenticity in the Workplace

As a sensitive and emotional person, I’ve often felt pressure to conform to traditional notions of leadership and communication in the workplace. After reading numerous management books and seeking advice from colleagues and mentors, I’ve realized that many of these suggestions boil down to one phrase: “Act more like a man.”

The Myth of Masculine Success

This notion perpetuates the idea that men are the standard-bearers of success, and that women must emulate their behavior to achieve similar results. We’re told to be more confident, assertive, and direct – traits often associated with masculine communication styles. But what about the value of empathy, humility, and vulnerability in the workplace?

The Language of Leadership

Studies have shown that women tend to apologize more frequently than men, often due to a lower threshold for what they consider offensive. However, this doesn’t mean that apologizing or using “permission” words like “just” or “actually” is inherently bad. In fact, these words can convey a sense of humility and openness to feedback.

Beyond Binary Thinking

Rather than trying to fit into narrow definitions of masculinity or femininity, I believe we should focus on developing leadership qualities that are authentic and effective. This means embracing our individual strengths and weaknesses, rather than trying to conform to societal expectations.

Valuing Emotional Intelligence

As a leader, I’ve found that being open, empathetic, and kind has helped me build stronger relationships with my team and achieve better results. Rather than suppressing our emotions or trying to fit into traditional molds, we should celebrate the diversity of communication styles and leadership approaches.

Redefining Success

Ultimately, success is not about emulating someone else’s behavior, but about being true to ourselves and our values. By embracing our unique strengths and weaknesses, we can create a more inclusive and effective workplace culture. So, let’s ditch the notion that we need to “act like a man” to succeed, and instead focus on becoming the leaders we’ve always envisioned ourselves to be.