But I did start thinking that women may be more likely to learn the skills of leadership because of the positions and situations they find themselves in through life. I don’t think it’s innate. Our life experiences are our dominant learning ground for our leadership. Are the challenges and opportunities women face in life more likely to develop them as leaders?

Being in a minority (as women often find themselves in business) women have to learn the hard way how to bring about change. They can’t rely on their positions of authority, their technical expertise and education. It just won’t get them as far. They learn how the system really works, where the power really lies and how to use it. They learn to be patient, how to get people on side, and avoid the blocks. They have to become much more sophisticated, and more aware of themselves in the process.

In a male dominated business men can be led to think all the male bonding, the games of golf and the chats about football and rugby are enough for us to be successful. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not against this kind of male activity! On the contrary I miss it, having worked in a female dominated environment for my whole career. But unless it is balanced with a focus on leadership development men may be left facing a very painful change process when asked to lead, perhaps too painful, and in many cases a significant personal crisis rather than a learning breakthrough that we can grow from.

Oliver Mack