In this week’s lesson, we investigated gender differences in leadership. As part of that discussion, I wanted to focus on one of the many strengths associated with the ever-growing field of women leaders.
According to the text, gender plays an integral role in modernizing and developing effective leadership styles specifically when transitioning from a “traditional masculine, autocratic style to the more feminine or androgynous styles of democratic and transformational leadership styles” (Northouse, 2021, p. 407).
One contemporary style of leadership that is being recognized for its effectiveness is authentic leadership. This style represents a newer area of leadership research that focuses on authenticity (Northouse, 2021). Though authentic leadership is complex and difficult to define it emphasizes transparency, honesty, and morals (Northouse, 2021). Leaders under this theory build genuine relationships with their employees through trust, they respond to their employees’ needs and values, and they foster positive work environments (Northouse, 2021).
So how does authentic leadership connect to women leaders?
Obviously, not everyone is defined by their gender by studies are showing that women do in fact excel in many of the factors that are associated with effective authentic leadership (Arruda, 2024).
One crucial factor of authentic leadership is from a intrapersonal perspective which focuses on the leader themselves including their self-knowledge, self-regulation, and self-concept (Northouse, 2021). Being self-aware is the foundation for authentic leadership and important in understanding your followers (Arruda, 2024). Interestingly enough, women are 86% more likely to display consistent and effective emotional self-awareness then men (Arruda, 2024).
Another important behavior associated with authentic leadership is balanced processing. This refers to how well a leader can analyze information objectively with the inclusion of others’ viewpoints and without bias (Northouse, 2021). Women have a natural inclination towards inclusivity and are more likely then men to ensure that all voices are acknowledged (Arruda, 2024).
Lastly, one of the most associated behaviors related to authentic leadership is authenticity or as the text words it, relational transparency (Northouse, 2021). This factor refers to being open and honest by sharing core feelings, motives, and inclinations with others in an appropriate manner, despite whether they are positive or negative (Northouse, 2021). Women excel better then men in open and honest communication which is extremely beneficial for this style of leadership (Arruda, 2024). They also generally lead in ways that are more inclusive, transparent, and feedback welcoming (Arruda, 2024). Not only does this open communication strengthen teams but it builds better leaders and motivates employees (Arruda, 2024).
It is clear that authentic leadership is a method in which women leaders can excel. I find it exciting that the ever growing efforts for women leaders are developing contemporary leadership styles like this one. I recommend looking into authentic leadership and its connection to women leaders as it is an incredibly interesting topic that has recently been gaining lots of recognition.
Just recently, in March of this year, the Center for Inclusion and Social Change (CISC) hosted the seventh annual Women’s Leadership Symposium (WLS) at the University of Colorado Boulder (Women’s Leadership Symposium promotes authentic leadership, 2024). There, over 200 people gathered to discuss women’s leadership with the theme, “Propagating pathways and embracing authentic leadership” (Women’s Leadership Symposium promotes authentic leadership, 2024). They participated in breakout rooms, exercises, discussions, and more on integrating authentic leadership (Women’s Leadership Symposium promotes authentic leadership, 2024).
It is interesting and rewarding to see newer leadership strategies like authentic leadership being used and developed everyday. Using our course material, we can begin to recognize the benefits and understand the components that are associated with effective authentic leadership models as they are being applicated throughout the real world.
References
Arruda, W. (2024, March 12). Why women hold the key to authentic leadership. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/williamarruda/2024/03/10/why-women-hold-the-key-to-authentic-leadership/?sh=5f56ad00562b
Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781071834473
Women’s Leadership Symposium promotes authentic leadership. University of Colorado Boulder. (2024, March 11). https://www.colorado.edu/studentaffairs/2024/03/11/womens-leadership-symposium-promotes-authentic-leadership