A recent study by Professor Joyce Benenson and her team from Emmanuel College in Boston ‘found that men were far more tolerant of other males when it came to showing more understanding and empathy towards workmates of the same sex, the research suggests women will quickly form a negative opinion of female peers who make a mistake or under perform.’
I am not sure if this is one of those things that falls under the heading of ‘well it’s scientific so it must be true’ or ‘well they can prove anything they want to can’t they?”, however what a fabulous bit of research to get the discussion flowing; I have to say there is a part of me that wants to voice an opinion on this, but then again I have another part saying ‘keep your trap shut buddy!’
There is one thing I do know and that is that even if this is right, both men and women in this current age are pulled towards making calculated judgements as to the value of association to another person, in order to calibrate their own ‘brand’ in relation to who they associate with. Frankly this is a shame, because the more we grade, evaluate and grid our relationships, as opposed to just allowing them to have their natural place, the more we incrementally find ourselves planning who we do or do not ‘connect with’.
So take a little notice of the research, but not too much and ask yourself, “How often do I calculate a persons value to myself by way of the value of the association, as opposed to merely having this person on a long list of colleagues I engage with (each in their own different and unique way).
Filed under: current affairs, leadership behaviour | Tagged: female bosses, leadership research, women in leadership
