Does a Woman Need to Change Her Personality in a Leadership role?

When I was asked this question, I wasn’t sure whether, as a man, I was best positioned to answer it.

So I asked a dear friend, Dr Laurie Mattera, of Joyful Souls OnLine, for her perspective on the subject and asked her to answer the question: 

Does a woman change her personality when she is in a leadership role?  If so, how does she change? 

I have been in positions of leadership, and I have worked with women in leadership roles.  I’m glad to say that for the most part, women hang on to their unique personalities when they are in a position of power or leadership. 

As with all of these controversial topics, however, much depends on the individuals involved, whether man or woman. 

For example, the women who are respected as leaders and make the most progress are the ones who practice good leadership skills (such as edifying those under their charge and being supportive and positive in their leadership). 

This would hold true for any leader, whether a man or woman.  In my experience it is rare, but unfortunate, that there are times a woman has to “prove” she can lead as well as a man. 

Some women feel they cannot be feminine in a leadership role, for fear of not being taken seriously.  Others, when assertive, still get labeled as being a “bitch”…I might add this label can come from other women as well as the men she is leading.

Fortunately, it seems we are becoming more accepting of women in leadership roles in America. 

As long as she is good at what she does, incorporates good leadership principles, and sets a good example, a woman need not change her personality in order to succeed. 

Thanks Laurie, I fully agree with your thoughts.

I would also add that in my opinion that women make just as good leaders as men, and this is especially true if they maintain their personalities.

It’s the woman who change and then become inauthentic that give women leaders a bad name.

It would be interesting to hear from any other female Leaders for their view on this.

Let us know whether you felt that had to change your personality once you moved into a leadership role, in order to be successful.

thanks

Gordon Tredgold

Leadership Principles