Today, norms and paradigms have changed. Human traits are no longer gender specific.
We have been made to believe that pride, guts, arrogance, confidence and aggressiveness are predominantly masculine characteristics, while humbleness, sensitivity, gentleness, adaptability and kindness are feminine.
It is true that most male bosses have "traditional" feminine leadership traits and most women bosses have taken on the arrogant, aggressive approach. They have switched traits.
Male bosses are generally kind, understanding, compassionate and sensitive to their employees. They listen to their subordinates and work together.
Female bosses are generally tough, rude, assertive and domineering to prove a point that they are capable of doing the job.
Apart from that, they adopt aggressive leadership styles to keep their male subordinates in check and remind them that they are in charge.
Some of them could have low self-esteem and lack confidence, so they are pushy and bossy.
Most primary and secondary schools have women as heads, assistant heads and heads of panels, and they often rule with an iron fist.
They are generally feared and uncompromising in their work.
A good boss should be flexible, understanding, consistent and transparent.
There should be no favouritism towards anyone.
Bosses should not listen to tales about colleagues and make hasty judgments.
Everything should be discussed and communicated openly.
Many of us spend a lot of time at work. It is important that our workplaces and bosses do not stress us. Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.
Male or female, an ideal boss is one who should be firm yet gentle and fair, and adheres to a defined set of rules and values.
Samuel Yesuiah New Straits Times Letters to the Editor 02 June 2013
