You’ve Gotta Have Heart

If you conducted a survey on gender and leadership styles I think most people would agree that men lead with their head and women lead with their heart.  But which style is better?  When it comes to dating, one of the first rules you learn is to avoid wearing your heart on your sleeve.  Everyone knows that in situations when you are still testing the waters it’s better not to lay all your cards on the table.

But now that I’ve exhausted enough idioms for one post, which approach is better in business?  According to an article in Business Week, leading with your head isn’t always enough, especially in a tough economy.

“…men and women need more than sheer business expertise, whether it be a smart strategy, the right organizational structure, or clever technical solutions…people also want honesty and humanity. They crave authentic connections to their leaders.”

Gaining the trust of your customers and your employees is crucial to having a thriving business.  People want to know that they are valued and respected.  Even my marketing guru has been instilling in me the importance of this approach in my social networking.  You must give, give, give, before you even think about asking for anything. “An effective leader touches hearts and balances that with head practices… to get work accomplished,” writes Jenna Perdue in a similar article where she presents seven tips to finding that balance.

Leading with the heart is one area where women have a distinct advantage over men.  As natural-born collaborators, women are interested in the thoughts and feelings of others.  They can tune in where men tune out, and can achieve an ideal balance between the analytical and emotional sides of leadership.  Creating more holistic work environments and long term relationships, women understand that in business you’ve gotta have heart.

© 2010 Reece International LLC/Dr. Shannon Reece. All rights reserved.

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Starting your own business can be tough, but having the right tools makes all the difference.  Dr. Reece provides the strategies and tactics women need to get their businesses from zero to launch and achieve real results.  For more information visit www.DrShannonReece.com.