Leadership and gender stereotypes
Previously we talked about leadership and gender perceptions.
Based on that, let’s see if you can guess who said this:
“… too many people have been given to understand that if they have a problem, it’s the government’s job to cope with it.
‘I have a problem, I’ll get a grant.’ ‘I’m homeless, the government must house me.’
They’re casting their problems on society. People have got the entitlements too much in mind, without the obligations.
There’s no such thing as entitlement, unless someone has first met an obligation”
The Iron man or woman
Obviously these are words of someone who strongly believes in self-reliance; no hands-out from the government.
Not much compassion in the words above, is there? Some would think such strong words must have being said by a man.
After all, women leaders are more compassionate, right?
The words came from Margret Thatcher.
In 1979, she was elected Britain’s prime minister. Margret Thatcher was an important figure in British, as well as world politics.
Nicknamed the “Iron Lady”, she got along with both American President Ronald Reagan; and the Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev.
Truth and love
“Remember that all through out the history
the way of truth and love have always won.
There have been tyrants…
and for a time, they can seem invincible,
but in the end, they always fall.
Think of it – always.”
A message of truth and love. Again, if we are to believe the stereotypes, this would be a woman’s message, right?
The words came from Gandhi, a strong force for the civil rights of Indians.
He strongly believed in non-violent ways as a means of protest.
Gandhi became a prominent world figure and inspired civil rights movements around the globe; including here in U. S and in South Africa.
Two strong leaders. Neither fitting the gender stereotypes.
They worked tirelessly to achieve the goals they set out for themselves.
Each with a leadership style that worked for them.
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