In this guest post, Bill Shireman — President and CEO of Future 500, which brings together major corporate and civil society — makes the (very sane) argument that the “gender binary,” as we call it in thinky feminist circles, is bad for everyone. Here, he explains why we should all, men and women alike, “lean in” to both our “masculine” and “feminine” tendencies.
When it comes to workplace gender politics, it’s no secret that the current climate still leaves much to be desired. Men still dominate the corporate world, occupying almost every high-powered position. Some argue that this is because male privilege is naturally ruthless and oppressive, and powerful men are invested in preventing their female rivals from gaining power.
I don’t believe this to be the case. As individuals, many men are not violent, dangerous, or oppressive. Within both men and women exist dual traits of masculinity and femininity that need to be channeled by both to ensure a balance of power in the business world. In order for business to thrive, however, corporations must recognize the value of the feminine traits that exist in both men and women and reward those traits, rather than solely rewarding the masculine traits that exist in both men and women. These traits are often valued in life, and lead to success, so why not in business?
Here are just a few of the reasons why I believe that gender neutrality equals success in the workplace and in life:
1. Our Natures are Complementary, Not Exclusionary
Human beings are socially and psychologically complex animals. We occupy our “masculine” and “feminine” tendencies, fluidly moving between the two, while rarely even noticing. (Editors’ note: From here on in this piece, for simplicity, let’s stipulate: “masculine” and “feminine” are societal constructs, and that’s what we’re talking about when we used the words here, with or without quotes. We know that we all, to one extent or another, flow freely between those two accepted concepts, regardless of our genitalia or appearance or behavior or sexual preferences.) Our masculine brains ask “how,” while our feminine brains ask “why?” Individuals who only express one side of their brain always end up missing something. The two are inseparable — the masculine being the seat of power and the feminine being the seat of purpose. Everyone, regardless of gender has this ability; the key is drawing both sides together as a whole.
2. Both Men and Women Have Two Brains
Men and women aren’t that different. In fact, we both have dual natures of masculine and feminine. Both are socialized to react to one side and suppress the other, creating a prejudiced approach to business decisions in both genders. While some fear the rise of feminine traits will hinder growth, it will not mean the complete downfall of masculine tendencies. This is very definition of gender neutrality.
3. It’s Good for Business
Because business has long favored masculine traits, it’s time for both men and women to start embracing the feminine in their business decisions. Putting a little more heart into business benefits everyone. While competitive masculinity allows us to find our place the collaborative aspect of femininity allows us, as a society, to take our place and to leave a legacy.
4. The Feminine Gives Purpose to Power
The business world is dominated by the masculine trait of the quest for power, whether it is men or women who are leading the corporations. Both genders suppress their feminine side in order to succeed in “a man’s world.” This, however, leads to power without purpose. In essence, the problem here is the world, not men or women, masculine or feminine. We need to work together to change that.
5. Purpose and Power, Together, Create Passion
Power is external and physical – it is governed by science, and deployed through engineering. Purpose is internal and metaphysical – it is revealed by art, and expressed as love. We see purpose and power together in the creative capacities of rainforests, free economies, the nation, the family, and the life and love that emerge when we come together. Purpose and power, together, create passion – passion for one’s profession, partner, children, or art.
6. In Business, Politics, and Life, Purpose and Passion Create a Legacy
Power is ephemeral, shifting quickly with the tides of business, politics, and life. Purpose and passion, on the other hand, are eternal. The things that we create in society, business, and life as a result of purpose and passion lead to leaving a true mark on the world. By embracing both the masculine and the feminine, our society can create a true legacy for the future.
7. Without a Balance of Masculine and Feminine, There Is Chaos
When women repress their masculine, and men repress their feminine, they become dysfunctional. When whole cultures repress one in favor of the other, they become destructive. To be human, and to live a full and successful life, each person needs to express both masculine and feminine qualities, in combination. This, the weaving together of these, is the source of creation.
The best way for women to assert their power in the workplace is not just to be accountable, but also to allow their inner femininity and masculinity complement each other. So, too, for men. As women continue to “lean in” in the business world, this newfound femininity will, hopefully, no longer be a dirty world (to women as well), but will, instead, be associated with more well-rounded approaches and increased purpose within the professional world and beyond. This lies within each one of us, regardless of gender.
