March 8th 2021

A reflection. Women are far more stylish, sassy, entertaining and have a stare that no man can match.

For the last 110 years we have been recognising the strength and power of women on International Women’s day. Whilst the theme changes, the sentiment is one of the same; focused on helping women gain full and equal participation in global development.

There are a number of characteristics that, when combined, constitute a winning leadership team. These characteristics include decisiveness, collaboration, analytical thinking, empathy, risk-taking, and inclusiveness. Some of these characteristics are considered masculine, such as risk-taking, while others are considered feminine, such as empathy for others. The most important element in winning leadership teams is to effectively blend winning characteristics to achieve better collective decision-making. The easiest way to do that is to make sure there is a balanced number of men and women on the team.

I do think that our hospitality industry does a great job of this; I’m not sure of the exact data, I don’t think I need a scientist for this, but I’m sure we have a pretty fair share of great women leading our industry, but I will say we need more, and I’ll explain why. 

Data I’m sure will show that women as much as men are highly qualified, just as surveys can be found where women outperform men in measured exercises. I think that women have become more determined, are more likely to take advantage of ongoing development opportunities and I’m very sure that organisations benefit financially from a mixed gender workplace. Surveys that will suggest that changing from all-male or all-female to a mixed gender balance in the workforce drives performance.

But I also believe in a meritocracy. We have seen in recent weeks the outpouring of the passing of Arne Sorenson that ‘empathy for others’ is something that male leaders can, and there are many many more who do the same, but there’s no doubt women in leadership roles make a difference.

I do believe that women add value in many more ways that a man can, I don’t believe we should employ women because our numbers don’t add up. I believe in diversity, and the power and enrichment it brings to an organisation. I’m an evangelist for truly great women in my teams that I have built up over the years. Jim Collins said “The most powerfully transformative executives possess a paradoxical mixture of personal humility and professional will. They are timid and ferocious. Shy and fearless. They are rare—and unstoppable”. And to this point I must agree. I have not worked for many women, but those who I have, they epitomised these traits. Those leaders I worked for that lacked empathetic or coach leadership styles invariably experienced more rapid turnover, a lack of free thinking within the team, exhaustion and frustration. In my gruelling days as a ops manager I worked for two of the hardest working women I ever knew. They were championed by a mentor we shared who believed in the importance of women in leadership roles and crushing the male dominant Board room. They packed more into their lives than most men I will ever know from family, to friends to colleagues, board packs, decision making, direction, empathy, strength of mind. Women just have a different perspective on life, that is often more enriching. Women also have to put up with males who selfishly and myopically don’t recognise that women are far more stylish, sassy, entertaining and have a stare that no man can match.

Thank you to all the women who make our world a better place. Whatever you’re doing this March 8th, remember we really do love you for all you. Thank you for making a difference, it really does matter.

David Singleton has worked in the hospitality and retail industry around the world as a brand builder, creator, operator, franchisee, and franchisor for some of the world’s best known and respected brands. He moderates, speaks, writes, advises and mentors across the hospitality and service sectors globally. Find out more at www.sociusgroup.com, www.davidsingleton.work, and @singletoncity