by Joseph Wardy

Created on: November 02, 2009   Last Updated: November 03, 2009

The title " Do Women make better bosses" is unintentionally sexist. The idea of a woman or a man is a better boss implies that the behavior utilized to lead and manage is label that smacks of gender stereotyping, The question is further complicated by the reality that who is a better can be totally different based on the number of factors to include the evaluator's temperament, the culture and what it demands of effective bosses and whether bosses are managers, leaders and at what level in the organization?

My response to the essay is unrelated to gender as I have worked for both women and men .It is based on my observations, how and why I was motivated and and my six years experience as a management development trainer for two large corporation in two entirely different industries. The word "better" will be replaced by effective or bosses who do the right things. Here are five of my observations:

1) Effective bosses do not flaunt their title in the hierarchy. These bosses are not authoritarian but rather authoritative. This translates not the approach of "my way or the highway; but rather the collaboration of working together to move forward. The language of an ineffective and ego centered boss is frequently around the usage of words like " I " and "my". Effective bosses use the terminology of "we and " you".

2) Effective bosses practice the gender exclusive trait of integrity. This is not the honesty of saying what you mean but rather doing what you say. Trust is built when the boss consistently is a person whose actions meet their word.

3) Effective bosses are in the moment by listening in a genuine way to their staff. This listening builds esprit de corps and shows the employee that the boss cares. There is a quote which frequently rings true and goes as follows : "People don't care what yo know until they know that you care".

4) The greatest human need is recognition. Effective bosses are not afraid to acknowledge excellent results by provident feedback that is timely and concrete. Conversely, they are also not afraid to coach by offering feedback that enable their staff member to reach their potential.

5) Effective bosses delegate to their staff so that the employee is given the opportunity to grow and expand their comfort zone gaining the confidence to be ready to take on more responsibility. Delegation prepares your staff member for promotion. Management guru Peter Drucker said, "if you have a star, step aside and let them pass you". Effective bosses are able to develop, mentor and train.

Effective bosses are effective without placing a gender label on it!

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