“Women make terrible bosses” is a phrase that’s been whispered in corridors, typed in anonymous reviews, and even playfully tossed around in meetings. But, I’m here to call foul.
I still remember the first time I heard the phrase “Women are bad bosses” in person. An acquaintance at a function openly said “I’d rather work for a man because women can’t get the job done.” What struck me most was the conviction behind those words—as if it were a universally accepted truth. As someone who’s had the pleasure of working with and learning from some incredible female leaders, I know this ‘truth’ is nothing more than a lie.
Growing up, I was fortunate to have strong, intelligent, and compassionate women in my life – my mother, sisters, and teachers. They were leaders, mentors, and role models who held their own. And, as I entered the workforce, I encountered even more women who defied the “terrible boss” stereotype.
So, where did this myth come from?
The answer lies in a complex web of biases, stereotypes, and societal expectations all steeped in patriarchy. The open debate that ensued at the function revealed one thing: most people say women make terrible bosses simply because they have subconsciously accepted the stereotypes. Most of the time, not because they have had personal experiences to back the claim.
For far too long, women have been typecast as too nurturing, too emotional and soft, while men are seen as strong and assertive. These stereotypes have fuelled the assumption that women are not capable leaders. However, the irony is that when female bosses exhibit these “male attributes,” they are labelled aggressive and difficult.
Despite the progress made in promoting gender equality in the workplace, there remains a lingering reluctance to accept female bosses. The traditional patriarchal structure has been the norm for centuries, and the idea of a woman at the helm can be unsettling for some.
The numbers don’t lie
A groundbreaking study by Gallup, titled “The State of the American Manager,” analysed 2.5 million manager-led teams across 195 countries in 2015. The research, which encompassed 27 million employees, yielded a striking finding: female managers excelled at fostering employee engagement, outpacing their male counterparts.
At first glance, this discovery may seem insignificant to the current conversation. However, its implications are profound. Companies with highly engaged workforces drastically outperform their competitors, boasting a 147% earnings advantage.
This correlation underscores the pivotal role effective management plays in driving business success, and highlights the value female leaders bring to the table.
Let’s see practical experience with bosses
To garner practical insight on the subject, I had an insightful conversation with Hendewe, an IT manager, who didn’t hold back as he shared his experience with bosses. “My working experience spans over six years and in that time, I have worked with at least three bosses, of which only one—my current boss— is female and she is the best I’ve had.”
When I asked him to share more insights as to what makes a boss great and why the title befits his current boss, he said, “A good boss should be knowledgeable. They should be assertive but also listen and encourage effective communication with employees. And my current boss checks every box.”
He went further to explain saying, “The male bosses I’ve worked with weren’t great communicators and they had the tendency to be nonchalant in their attitude to work and very dismissive.”
The truth is, women are not inherently ‘terrible bosses.’ In fact, studies by the American Psychological Association show that women leaders often outperform their male counterparts, with strengths in areas like collaboration, innovation, and employee satisfaction. All of which are crucial to ensuring success in any work environment.
My tenure at Marie Claire Nigeria has been a thrilling experience, thanks to the exceptional women who make the team. These women are not only experts in their fields but also very driven. They have demonstrated unwavering composure in the face of challenges and have encouraged and pushed for communal growth.
In their own right, they have set the bar exceptionally high for what great bosses should be.
Can women make terrible bosses?
Let’s set the record straight: females can be just as lacking as their male counterparts. But here’s the thing; their flaws are not inherent to their womanhood. It is simply a trait of their personality. And let’s be real, all humans come in all shapes, sizes, and dispositions – good, bad, and ugly.
Wickedness isn’t a gender-exclusive club, and kindness isn’t a masculine monopoly. Anyone can be mean-spirited, and anyone can be kind-hearted, regardless of their gender.
It is high time we shatter the myth that a person’s ability to lead is dependent on their reproductive differences and recognise the incredible value women bring to leadership roles. Women should be able to lead without being held back or judged by outdated stereotypes and biases.
