Through the Looking Glass: How Gender Shapes Leadership Perception

I recently attended a DEI session, it highlighted that diversity is not limited to gender and has deeper layers and can also be tangential. While the world has progressed in identifying various kinds of diversity amongst humans, we are still battling with parity in pay and respect for women. In the world of leadership, where decisiveness and vision reign supreme, a hidden inequality continues to linger. Men and women, displaying the same traits, often navigate a starkly different landscape. The very attributes that propel a man to the corner office can, for a woman, become hurdles disguised as compliments. In the run up to Women’s Day let us look at some of the successful women leaders and their opinions around how we can create a more conducive environment. Encouraging younger women to aspire for leadership roles, and succeeding in them. 

Different words, different worlds: “A man is assertive, a woman is bossy,” Sheryl Sandberg, the iconic COO of Facebook, points out. “A man is decisive, a woman is emotional.” These subtle shifts in language betray a deeper bias. Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo, echoes this sentiment, “Men are praised for being passionate, women are called hysterical.” I cannot even begin to point at the ludicrous use of words for women when they give feedback, are assertive or task-master at some points. There are many ‘not mentionable’ words for these occasions. 

The performance double standard: Competence, confidence, and ambition – all cornerstones of effective leadership – are often perceived differently depending on the gender presenting them. A man’s assertiveness is seen as strength, a woman’s as aggression. A man’s ambition is lauded, a woman’s is deemed power-hungry. As Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, aptly states, “Women who are ambitious are often labeled as cold and calculating, while men are seen as driven and determined.”

Bridging the gap, building the bridge: But amidst this disparity, beacons of hope shine through. Companies like Hewlett Packard, under Meg Whitman’s leadership, implemented unconscious bias training and flexible work arrangements, resulting in a 20% increase in female leadership. Google’s “Women Techmakers” initiative fosters mentorship and community for women in tech, closing the gender gap in STEM fields.

Streamlining processes, changing perspectives: These success stories highlight a crucial shift – not just in policies, but in perspectives. It’s about dismantling stereotypes, recognizing unconscious bias, and celebrating diverse leadership styles. It’s about creating a level playing field where competence, not chromosomes, dictates the trajectory of a career. As Susan Wojcicki, CEO, Youtube puts it, “Rarely are opportunities presented to you in a perfect way. In a nice little box with a yellow bow on top. ‘Here, open it, it’s perfect. You’ll love it.’ Opportunities – the good ones – are messy, confusing and hard to recognize. They’re risky. They challenge you.”

Building a positive narrative: The narrative around women in leadership needs a rewrite. We need to move away from the “lone wolf” trope and celebrate the collaborative, empathetic leadership styles that women often embody. We need to showcase their successes not as exceptions, but as testaments to the immense potential that lies untapped. Rosalind Brewer, COO & Group President of Starbucks, puts into perspective how it takes courage to build your narrative, “You can and should set your own limits and clearly articulate them. This takes courage, but it is also liberating and empowering, and often earns you new respect.” 

The path to gender parity in leadership is paved with awareness, action, and a collective commitment to reimagining the narrative. By dismantling the double standards, streamlining processes, and building positive narratives, we can create a world where leadership shines brightly, regardless of the gender behind it. Let’s move beyond the looking glass and build a future where ambition, confidence, and competence are celebrated, not misconstrued.