GENDER RELATIONS WHAT ARE YOU WEARING? 1-800-461-1824 | www.valleyblades.com TEETH - WEAR PARTS - CARBIDE EMBEDDED EDGES ALWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION G ood leadership involves hard work, integrity, good commu- nication, genuine interest, and walking the talk – qualities I don’t believe are more common to one gender or the other. I’ve been very lucky to have had some excellent mentors along the way; all have shown me different leadership strengths and have helped me achieve what they saw in me. As it happens, they were all men, but I never got the sense they thought my gender had any impact on my capabilities. I realize I’ve been very lucky in that regard. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with women who are extraordinary leaders, and when I really consider why, it comes down to that same skill set I outlined earlier. Skills that both men and women can develop. It is wrong to assume only tough women succeed in leadership positions. All types of people can succeed. In her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg of Facebook fame said,“I want every little girl who is told she is bossy to be told she has leadership skills.” Anne Guiot, partner, Skelton Brumwell & Associates Inc., shares her views on leadership and perceived differences in the leadership styles of men and women. THOUGHTS ON LEADERSHIP In fact, we need a wide range of leaders with a variety of perspectives to ensure success. It’s true you can have some ‘tough as nails’ women leaders, but you will also find some men that are very sensitive and intuitive, contrary to stereotypes. It truly takes a diversity of style to achieve greatness. However, I will say that women can be hard on each other – in some cases less accepting and more competitive, instead of helping each other out. But we are all evolving, and I believe as more women enter leadership roles our organizations will be all the stronger for it. In terms of the little girl who might be called bossy, she can’t help herself. She sees a problem to be solved, and she thinks, I know how to solve it. She just needs good mentors! FALL 2018 AVENUES 17