What do you prefer working with a male leader or female leader?

I would definitely prefer a male leader/manager, at least within The Netherlands. I’m happy that I have gain/gaining some great experiences with female leaders from abroad;-) At least that give me the full confidence that far more female (future) leaders will be there soon.

But why do I prefer a male manager? Do I not support the trend to achieve a higher number of women in top management positions? Yes of course I do! But my experiences made me believing this. As Peter Barlow summarize it well; never let your opinions lead. So let’s change it!

Opinions derived from long experience are exceedingly valuable, and outweigh all others, while they are consistent with facts and with each other. But they are worse than useless when they lead, as in this instance, to directly opposite opinions.

 

I have been thinking what’s going wrong here. It’s really shocking that the percentage of women in senior management positions in The Netherlands is 10%. Yes I’m not kidding, 10%!! Japan lead with the lowest percentage of 9% and the Dutch people are following second, yes The Netherlands. The Netherlands, better known as the low lands, the synonymous with freedom, the ability to do what is forbidden in other places. The global reputation for tolerance!

Getting beat by Eastern Europe. Economies in Eastern Europe (37%) and Southeast Asia (35%) lead the way on women in leadership. Globally, Russia (43%) has the highest proportion of women in senior management, a figure that has held fairly stable since 2004, helped by a gender ratio that favours women by 6:5. Source: Grand Thornton March 2014.

What is causing this poor rate? From my experiences I have noticed that Dutch women are very open, direct and hardworking but some can be “very jealous”.

A study has revealed: Women in the workplace are plagued by jealousy and envy when it comes to their more attractive colleagues, while men remain unfazed by such same-sex rivalry. Prof Zurriaga, aided in the study by the University of Groningen, The Netherlands, and University of Palermo, Argentina, believes in order to prevent the negative effects of these feelings, people should modify aspects like the perception of threat, loss or comparison with others at work. Read more here.

I have facing jealous women in business many times; not getting invited to participate in a specific female coworkers group, during a job interview with 2 females (too funny, I need to Vlog about that – happened twice by the way), female managers who love to see you leave instead of succeed. But why? Why should females be afraid for each other? Why aren’t we supporting each other and making the way to the top clear for each other. By helping other women succeed you will be successful too. “Look to the bigger picture” instead of only to the short term. This also means for the company and its employees. Integrity needs to be embedded in the whole organization; from the bottom to the top! I love the following quote from Richard Branson, like all his other quotes:

Put your staff first, your customers second and shareholders third

Richard Branson

Founder of Virgin Group

By putting your staff first- creating a good relationship that is based on trust, show commitment and engagement, availability of mentorship and please not only micro manage, give your employees freedom, train them, be honest, give feedback, show a clear career path, know what motivates them, make fun and stay positive– will give your staff the equipment to accelerate!

Once your staff is happy it will show automatically; at the work floor and your customers will notice it. They will build strong continues relationships with customers and your staff is always willing to go for the extra mile!

In this case:

1 + 1 = 3

Staff happy + Customers happy = Shareholders happy 🙂

Of course there are many other reasons why The Netherlands is facing this percentage of low female leaders. You have to take into account the number of hours women work, chances we get within a company, possibilities for childcare, no family around etc. etc.

I know for sure that there are enough opportunities where companies are looking for female leaders. But to all the women out there: we need to support each other, step up and be fearless!! I know for sure if all women will give each other a helping hand the statistics will be changing soon. Just create a culture where women can exists and celebrate their successes with everyone not only women but also men!

For everyone please keep in mind: No one will give you power, you have to take it.

Love, Marietta