Do men and women really have different leadership styles?

 

 

This was a question posed by the World Economic Forum this week as they published an article discussing the increase of female political leaders around the World.

Highlighting the women who have recently succeeded in being elected including Ethiopia’s first female President Sahle-Work Zewde, the 117 women in the US who have been elected in the mid-term elections, and the progress in Spain, Mexico and Bahrain,  UN Women’s executive director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka states:

 

“Where there are more women in decision–making positions, we see more inclusive decisions, and we find different solutions to long-standing problems.”

 

This got us thinking about the different leadership styles on offer by men and women around the World in Sport.  Does it really differ? And if so, which area of coaching does it differ?  The X’s and O’s or the interactions with the athletes?

 

Discussion:

This week, we want to ask you from your experience and thoughts:

  • Do men and women really have different leadership styles?
  • Do you think you coach / lead differently to your male peers?
  • Do you feel the need to ‘coach like a man’ because you are criticised with the way you coach “as a woman”?

 

 

Post your comments below!