According to a study on leaders, who typically scores higher on social and emotional skills?
A Minorities
B Women
C Authentic leaders
D Level 5 leaders E Men
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is B. Women.
Research indicates that women tend to score higher on social and emotional skills, which are crucial for effective leadership. These skills include empathy, emotional intelligence, communication, and the ability to build and maintain relationships. This is supported by various studies that show women often excel in these areas compared to their male counterparts.
Social and emotional skills are increasingly recognized as essential for leadership in the modern workplace. Leaders with high emotional intelligence can connect with others, understand their emotions, and use this awareness to guide decision-making and problem-solving. Women, on average, are often more attuned to the emotional needs of their teams, which helps foster trust and collaboration.
One theory behind this trend is that women are socialized to be more empathetic and cooperative, qualities that align closely with strong emotional intelligence. Women are also generally more willing to express vulnerability and empathy, traits that are particularly valuable in leadership contexts that require sensitivity to diverse team dynamics.
Moreover, emotionally intelligent leaders are better equipped to handle the complexities of today’s workplaces, including managing stress, fostering inclusivity, and maintaining high levels of motivation and engagement among employees. These traits contribute to better team cohesion and overall organizational performance.
While men can also be effective leaders, particularly those who develop and value emotional intelligence, studies consistently show that women typically have an edge in these areas. As organizations place a greater emphasis on social and emotional skills in leadership, women’s leadership styles are gaining more recognition for their effectiveness in modern management.