Navigating Leadership: My Journey with Male and Female Managers #321

Embarking on a reflective journey, I find myself delving into the dynamics of working with both male and female managers, seeking a role model to guide me through my professional aspirations. While this is a topic I’ve rarely explored here, the realization of its impact on my ambitions in both professional and personal spheres has prompted me to share my insights.

As I progress in my career, the noticeable scarcity of women in leadership positions discomforts me. Over the past few years in my current job, all the managers I’ve encountered have been men. It was during a particular business proposal meeting that I glimpsed female leaders. However, the experience left me questioning their leadership styles, as they often talked over each other, creating an atmosphere lacking collaboration.

The search for a female role model continued, but encounters with other female leaders were met with dissatisfaction from my seniors who expressed discontent about one leader’s tendency to play by her own rules. This left me pondering the qualities I sought in a leader.

Reflecting on my first job, where I spent over five years working mostly with female supervisors, I encountered a diverse range of leadership styles. One notable supervisor, Mrs. PGS, demonstrated technical brilliance but left me puzzled when she scolded me for speaking in Bengali with only other Bengali person in the team while others continued to chitchat in their their respective first languages. Such incidents left me questioning her leadership approach.

Moving forward, my experiences with subsequent female team leads like Miss AP and Miss SY presented varying leadership challenges. Miss AP’s partiality towards a colleague and Miss SY’s lack of team trust were eye-opening, highlighting the importance of fair treatment and professional conduct.

In an unexpected turn, a young male team lead in my fourth project showcased exceptional management skills, changing the team dynamic positively. Meanwhile, Mrs. HS, my last supervisor in my first job, left a neutral impression during our short collaboration.

As I transitioned to a team lead in my subsequent job, I encountered a manager who challenged me and encouraged self-improvement. These diverse experiences, both with male and female managers, have contributed to my evolving leadership philosophy.

However, amidst these experiences, a recurring theme has been the lack of connection and empathy in many leaders. As I aspire to lead with empathy, motivate individuals, and create an inclusive environment, my journey unfolds with the goal of embodying the qualities I desired in my own supervisors.

Navigating a male-dominated industry presents its challenges, with few leaders addressing gender-specific issues. Beyond the office, expanding my professional network proves challenging, with varying response rates from men and women. The quest to climb the corporate ladder without a mentor poses questions about expanding horizons, finding supportive connections, and rising above mediocrity.

While I don’t have all the answers, I continue to glean insights from everyday experiences, hopeful that my journey will offer guidance to those with similar wandering minds.