Flexible Gender Styles
Have you experienced gender stereotyping at work? I know I have, especially when I worked in male-dominated industries. I tried to work around it, sometimes adopting a style that was not authentic to me, often fumbling not knowing why I wasn’t having the impact I wanted. It’s one of the reasons I’m so passionate about helping women in the workplace be successful today.
And I’m not saying the stereotyping happened intentionally. In fact, scientists now know that ONLY 5% OF OUR BRAIN IS USED CONSCIOUSLY while 95% of brain function is happening below the surface. And it’s the subconscious that informs us how to act. Because the stereotyping is happening at the subconscious level, WE ARE GENERALLY UNAWARE OF OUR PREJUDICES.
What does this mean for us in the real world? People that can get OUT OF THE GENDER BOX will flourish by developing flexible skills that allow the feminine and masculine styles to emerge, depending on the situation.
You probably already have a hunch as to which style you tend towards (masculine or feminine), but just in case, below is gender expert Betty-Ann Heggie’s quick gender-style assessment. (Note: even though there are more than 2 genders, I have not seen published research on stereotypes for other genders yet so am limiting this discussion to male and female genders.)
Assessment directions: answer each of the questions in both sections with one of the following scores:
Never = 1; Seldom = 2; Sometimes = 3; Often = 4; Always = 5
Part 1:
1. I consider others’ needs before my own.
2. I listen more than I talk when in a conversation.
3. I go out of my way to make a relationship work.
4. I am adept at handling multiple things at once.
5. I experience others’ pain when I hear about their problems.
6. I pause and reflect before taking action.
Add up your score for Part 1.
Part 2:
1. I prefer to take care of myself without help from others.
2. I like to direct the action when working in a group.
3. I consider competition a motivator.
4. I enjoy setting goals and meeting deadlines.
5. I think facts are more persuasive than a story.
6. I am a risk-taker by nature.
Add up your score for Part 2. If your score for Part 1 was higher, your natural approach is stronger in feminine energy. If your score for Part 2 was higher, your masculine energy is stronger.
Were you surprised by your results? What’s interesting is that after 1400 brain MRIs in Tel Aviv, researchers found that OUR BRAINS ARE NOT GENDERED. Meaning you cannot look at a brain and know if it is male or female.
I look forward to a day when both typical masculine and feminine styles are appreciated for the value each brings.
My hope is that these posts help you on your path of growth. If I can assist you on your path, please schedule a 20-minute call here.
The intent of these posts is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.
Take good care,
Bijal