Gender in Leadership: Part 6

As mentioned by Sire (2009), “a worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false that human beings hold consciously or subconsciously about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which they live and move and have their being” (p. 20). Therefore, the worldview of each person lies so deeply embedded in his/her subconscious. It differs from one person to another according to different assumptions. Taylor (1991) claimed that “language in its broad sense, covering not only the words we speak but also the other modes of expression whereby we define ourselves, including the “languages” of art, of gesture, of love, and the like”(p. 33). Therefore, understanding people’s language and culture will facilitate better communication and will decrease the conflicts between people from different cultures in societies and organizations. There are five dimensions of human relationships. They are: universalism versus particularism, individualism versus communitarianism, neutral versus affective, diffuse versus specific and achievement verses ascription. “These five value orientations greatly influence people’s ways of doing business and managing as well as their responses in the face of moral dilemmas” (Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, 2012, p. 39). Learning these values will develop better life for each individual full of peace.

“A fish discovers its need for water only when it is no longer in it. Culture is like water to a fish. People live and breathe through it. What one culture may regard as essential may not be so vital to other cultures”(Trompenaars & Hampden-Turner, 2012, p. 27). Mother Teresa was a fish serving in the water of the poor culture. She was a servant leader who used her communication and emotional intelligence skills in understanding different cultures to overcome multicultural leadership challenges to support her vision in serving the poor and needy people all over the world. Consequently, it is important to increase the number of women in executive positions to have more successful leaders as Mother Teresa.

Gender in Leadership Case Study
Fr. Tadros Hirmina
St.Peter Seal of the Martyrs, Coptic Orthodox Church, West Palm Beach, Florida.
Palm Beach Atlantic University
LDR 5044-30W
Professor Carmela Nanton

References

Goleman, D. (1996). What makes a leader? In HBR’S 10 Must Reads On Leadership (pp. 1-21). USA: Harvard Business Press.

Maxwell, J. C. (2010). Everyone Communicates Few Connects. USA: Thomas Nelson.

Moodian (Ed.) (2008).Contemporary leadership & intercultural competence. Sage Publications. ISBB 9781412954532

Nanton, C.and Alfred, M. (2009). Social Capital and Women’s Supportsystems: Networking,
Learning and Surviving. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers. ISBN 9780470537343

Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership Theory and Practice (6th ed.). New Delhi, India: SAGE.
Sire, J. (2009). The Universe Next Door (5th ed.). USA: InterVarsity Press.

Taylor, C. (1991). The Ethics of Authenticity. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

Trompenaars, F and Hampden -Turner, C. (2012). Riding the Waves of Culture: Understanding Diversity in Global Business, (3rded). New York: McGraw Hill.

Wren, J. T. (1995). Leader’s Companion: Insights on Leadership Through the Ages. New York: The Free Press.

Leadership and Teamwork

Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

If Christ Jesus dwells in a man as his friend and noble leader, that man can endure all things, for Christ helps and strengthens us and never abandons us. He is a true friend.

Saint Teresa of Avila