English (UK) 
Nederlands 
Dansk 
Deutsch 
Italiano The Case for Female Leadership
The article “Why Do So Many Incompetent Men Become Leaders?” by Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, published in the Harvard Business Review, sheds light on a critical issue in leadership dynamics. Chamorro-Premuzic argues that our inability to discern between confidence and competence often leads to the promotion of incompetent men over more qualified women. This phenomenon is not just about gender bias; it’s about recognising that the traits often associated with effective leadership – such as empathy, humility, and emotional intelligence – are more commonly found in women.
Success Stories During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic provided a stark example of the effectiveness of female leadership. Countries led by women, such as New Zealand, Finland, Germany, and Denmark, were notably successful in managing the crisis. Their leaders demonstrated empathy, clear communication, decisive action, and – most importantly – allowed themselves to show that they were in doubt. This was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the pandemic. In contrast, countries led by men, such as the USA and Italy, having leaders that acted overly confident, faced significant struggles. This highlights the importance of leadership styles that prioritise empathy and effective communication.
Strong Role Models
Female leaders serve as strong role models, inspiring not just women but society as a whole. A prime example is Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, whose leadership has significantly contributed to the success and popularity of the Danish Monarchy. Her actions have set a benchmark for leadership that combines tradition with modern values, emphasising the importance of empathy and understanding in connecting with people. Another Margrethe is also a strong example: The European Commissioner for Competition, Margrethe Vestager, has during her ten years in office demonstrated strong leadership in regulating digital monopolies, while being authentic and inclusive as a leader.
Building Inclusive Organisational Cultures
Female leaders are instrumental in fostering strong and inclusive organisational cultures. Toxic work environments are often linked to the dominant behaviour of male leaders, who may prioritise assertiveness and competition over collaboration and inclusivity. Women, with their natural inclination towards empathy and team-building, can create more harmonious and productive workplaces, benefiting everyone within the organisation.
Promoting the Right Characteristics
It’s essential to understand that promoting female competencies in leadership is not about favouring women over men. Instead, it’s about recognising and valuing the characteristics that are more naturally aligned with effective leadership, regardless of gender. As Chamorro-Premuzic points out, promoting individuals with traits like empathy and humility is key. Leaders like Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, and Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, exemplify how these traditionally female characteristics can be embodied by men as well, leading to effective and inclusive leadership, while still being considered strong leaders, seen from the alpha male perspective. Valuing the characteristics that are more natural to females, no matter the gender of the potential leader, will automatically even out the balance between women and men in leadership roles.
Typical Faults in Choosing Leaders
‘when choosing leaders we often confuse confidence with competence. What makes you get the job as team leader, department manager, CEO, or president is often not the same as what is required to do the job well. By focusing solely on gender during the process, like: “the next leader must be female”, you can risk simply getting a man in disguise – a female who has adapted the values and behaviours of alpha males.
Conclusion
We must change the way we evaluate potential leaders. As said, the need for leaders with female competencies is more pressing than ever. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us advocate for leadership that values empathy, understanding, and inclusivity. By doing so, we can create more effective, resilient, and harmonious organisations and societies. Even though we call our country “fatherland,” it still exists on “Mother Earth.”
For further insights, you can refer to the original article here.
