5DW R(2)

 

In my time in the Army and now as a government training instructor, I’ve noticed that women often bring strong relational skills to leadership. They focus on building trust, listening, and empowering their teams. That transformational style creates inclusive environments where people feel valued and motivated to grow (Eagly & Carli, 2007). The challenge, however, is that in male-dominated organizations like the military, these strengths are sometimes seen as “soft” and not always given the credit they deserve.

Men, in contrast, tend to rely more on directive or transactional leadership. I’ve worked with many male leaders who excel at setting structure, driving performance, and making tough calls under pressure. These qualities are essential in high-stakes situations, like when decisions must be made quickly and discipline is critical. But I’ve also seen how this style can miss the relational side at times leading to frustration or burnout if team members don’t feel heard (Northouse, 2021).

Submission, APA, 2 paragraphs