Leaders Who Have Already Had to Prove Themselves Are the Most Effective

Women account for less than 7 percent of the world’s leaders, so the fact that so many have distinguished themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic is noteworthy. But that’s not all.

Some of the worst-performing countries are led by unapologetically old-fashioned “men’s men.”

In the article below, the authors says:  "If traditionally “feminine” traits don’t explain female leaders’ strong performance in times of crisis, what does?"

The authors go on to say:  "The answer may be related to the path women take to power, which is generally more demanding than that faced by men. In particular, it may be linked to the “glass cliff” phenomenon, whereby women are more likely than men to be appointed to leadership positions that are “risky and precarious.”

The authors close with:

While many factors are shaping outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic, leadership is undoubtedly one of the most important. It should surprise no one that, by and large, it is the leaders [who also start and run businesses] who have already had to prove themselves who are the most effective. That very often means they are women.

Read the entire opinion piece, here.