Redefining masculinity
What can we learn?
Every day male leaders are presented with numerous opportunities and challenges. But how do we ensure their approach to conquering these obstacles is sound? While there may be no single answer to this question, healthy masculinity can go a long way towards helping male leaders tackle the tasks at hand effectively. Redefining masculinity isn't just about making it easier for men—it's also about understanding what behaviours work best when achieving success.
What is Healthy Masculinity, and What Are Its Advantages to Male Leaders?
Healthy masculinity is not just a buzzword, It's a movement taking the world by storm, and for good reasons. It's high time we rethink masculinity and what it means to be a great male leader. Being vulnerable, empathetic, and communicative are no longer weaknesses but pillars of true strength. A study by the Center for Creative Leadership found that leaders who demonstrate empathy towards their team members are more likely to be viewed as effective leaders, and their teams report higher levels of job satisfaction and engagement. By adopting healthy masculinity will help build stronger relationships with their team members, foster trust, and create a more positive work culture.
As a leader, it's essential to understand the value of empathy in fortifying relationships. Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in another person's shoes and understand their perspective thoroughly. A leader who can empathise and align with their team members will drive better results, increase motivation, and establish an atmosphere of trust and mutual understanding. Empathy helps us connect with our colleagues, understand their concerns, and find a pathway towards resolving conflicts. It empowers us to bridge the gap between managerial expectations and the employee's feelings, promoting a more collaborative work culture. By leveraging empathy, leaders can build stronger relationships and foster an environment that encourages everyone to work together towards a common goal.
Understand the Power of Confidence, Not Perfectionism
While striving for excellence is admirable, fixating on everything being flawless can stall progress and hinder growth. Conversely, confidence is the driving force behind taking action and making decisions, even if they aren't always perfect. It allows for adaptability, risk-taking, and, ultimately, forward movement. As a leader, confidence inspires trust and inspires those around you to believe in themselves.
We live in a world where success seems to be measured only by our achievements, but what if there was a different way to think about success? What if we could redefine success through balance and moderation? Research suggests that perfectionism can hinder growth and progress, while confidence is associated with higher levels of adaptability and risk-taking. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that perfectionism is associated with increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression and can lead to negative outcomes such as procrastination and decreased productivity (Flett et al., 2018). On the other hand, confidence has been linked to better decision-making, increased motivation, and higher levels of leadership effectiveness (Judge & Bono, 2001).
So instead of sacrificing our health, relationships, and well-being for career success or financial gain, we could strive for a more well-rounded and fulfilling life encompassing all aspects of our being. By setting goals with balance and moderation in mind, we can create a life that is not only successful but also fulfilling and sustainable. It may take a shift in mindset and a commitment to breaking old patterns, but the benefits of a balanced and moderate approach to success are immeasurable.
Letting Go of Unhealthy Masculine Traits such as Rigidity, Aggression and Need for Control
It’s time to address the elephant in the room: unhealthy masculine traits. We get it, society has programmed us to think that being a "real man" means having these traits. But let's be honest, it's time to toss that programming out the window like last night's leftovers. It's time to embrace vulnerability, flexibility, and a willingness to let go of that need to dominate everything and everyone. It's not always easy to take responsibility for our actions, but it's essential if we want to grow as individuals. When we make mistakes, shifting the blame onto someone or something else is tempting. However, admitting when we've been in the wrong takes real strength. By owning our actions, we show maturity and demonstrate our commitment to personal growth. Learning from mistakes is a crucial part of this process. By analysing what went wrong, we can identify areas for improvement and work to avoid similar mistakes in the future. No one is perfect, but we can become the best version of ourselves by taking responsibility and learning from our mistakes.
What can male leaders learn from female leaders?
The Journal of Business Ethics found that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have higher employee satisfaction and engagement levels. Women tend to excel in emotional intelligence. They possess a higher level of empathy and can connect and communicate with others more deeply. This skill is essential for effective leadership, as it enables leaders to understand their team's needs and perspectives, foster strong relationships, and ultimately drive success. Additionally, female leaders are often more collaborative, prioritising team efforts over individual accomplishments. By learning from their female counterparts, male leaders can incorporate these valuable skills into their own leadership styles, resulting in more successful and cohesive teams.
So why is this important in the creative industry?
The creative industry is not just a place where imagination runs wild; it's a crucial element of our society. It is an ever-evolving space where ideas thrive, and innovation is encouraged. The industry produces everything from films and music to advertising and design. It has the power to influence our thoughts and behaviours, and it provides a platform for people to express themselves. The creative industry is essential for shaping our world, challenging the status quo, and pushing boundaries. It compels us to think deeply and to see the world through new eyes. Without it, we would be confined to a world of monotony and wouldn't have the same opportunities to be moved, inspired, or provoked. It is imperative to understand the importance of healthy masculinity and how it requires empathy, confidence (not perfectionism!), balance in life, and letting go of rigidness, aggression, and the need for control.
As Ted Bunch, Co-founder of A Call to Men, states:
“Toxic masculinity is a social construct that harms both men and women. It's time to break free from these harmful gender norms and create a more inclusive and empowering definition of masculinity that encourages empathy, respect, and equality”.