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Why Women Make Better Technical Writing Managers Than Men
Post by Ivan
Walsh. Follow me on
Twitter.
 The Harvard Business Review asks
What the U.S. Can Learn From Europe About Gender
Equality in the Workplace, and then
Can She Lead? These articles raise the
sensitive issue of 1) whether women make good bosses, 2) want to be
bosses and (slightly controversially), 3) will men support women bosses
or do their best to defeat them? One argument is that many
men don’t feel comfortable playing second fiddle
to a women boss. Yes, I know there are exceptions but… So,
while men tend to become CEOs etc due to networks/old boy’s clubs etc,
most women, regardless of their ability may not get this opportunity.
Percentage of Women in High Level Positions
The Center for Work-Life Policy announced that while 47% of
college-educated entry-level corporate professionals are female, women
comprise a mere:
- 21% of senior executives,
- 17% of Congress and
- 15% of board directors
Do Women Make Good Business Leaders?
The Harvard Business Review articles raise three issues:
- Masculine vs. Feminine women: Ambition in women
is often misinterpreted as aggression. Laura Lopez writes about how
toughness from a woman can be taken differently than toughness from
a man. Similarly, women who allow their "feelings" to get in
the way are perceived as too weak to lead and run others.
This paradox can leave women unsure about how to best behave and
people doubting their intentions as leaders.
- Belonging vs. Competing: Dr. Roy Baumeister
showed that humans have a desire and need to belong, yet women and
men differ on how they handle this. He says that women tend
to prefer close and intimate relationships, while men tend to go for
shallower connections in a larger group of people or a cause.
This can lead to
men thriving in competitive environments
involving networking and competing with their peers, and
can result in women avoiding jobs that will place them in direct
competition for advancement with their peers to preserve close
friendships.
- Family Life vs. Work Life: In "Opting Out: Why
Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home" Pamela Stone highlights the
institutional obstacles and cultural pressures that lead many women
to be pushed out of work. This dilemma draws many women away from
high-profile careers to stay with the kids at home.
The article concludes by saying that, "Female leaders can
rise to the top as they embrace their own strengths as women
and maintain a
leadership style that is embedded in their
individuality. This is what will draw others near, inspire,
and motivate. It will also require society to respect women for the
strengths they posses?"
Is this true?
Do you see this happening in the workplace? Do you support your
female boss as much as your male boss? What are the blind spots and
politically correct behavior that stops this from happening?
About the Author: Ivan Walsh is a
technical writer who specializes in
Documentation Plan Guides. His also
runs a leading Video Marketing Blog at
www.videocameraschool.com
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