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Why Women Managers Excel in Building High-Performing Teams
Performance on the job often hinges on the rapport and communication between managers and their employees. New research highlights that these elements can drive team success and that women managers bring a hidden advantage in fostering these connections.
The Power of Rapport and Communication
The quality of communication and rapport between managers and employees can significantly affect a team’s effectiveness. Poor performance is frequently traced back to inadequate communication, where managers must convey expectations, provide feedback, or foster a supportive environment.
Building strong relationships with employees helps managers understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses, address concerns promptly, and create a collaborative atmosphere.
Research has shown that women managers excel in creating rapport and fostering open communication.
A study by Zenger Folkman found that women outscored men on 17 of the 19 capabilities that differentiate excellent leaders from average or poor ones. These capabilities include relationship-building, collaboration, and communication—where women managers particularly shine.
Women-Led vs. Men-Led Teams
When examining the dynamics of men-led and women-led teams, especially in mixed-gender groups, women managers often create environments where both male and female employees feel valued and heard. This inclusiveness can lead to higher employee engagement and satisfaction.
Women managers are generally more attuned to the interpersonal aspects of team dynamics, fostering trust and cooperation.
A Gallup study revealed that employees who work for female managers are more engaged than those who work for male managers.
The study noted that women tend to have more frequent check-ins with their team members and are more likely to encourage their development, leading to a more motivated and productive workforce.
The Importance of Investing In Managers and Employees
Investing in both managers and employees can lead to significant benefits for an organization. Training programs focusing on communication, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills can enhance managers’ ability to build rapport and effectively manage their teams.
Such investments are not only productive but also cost-effective in the long run. Organizations prioritizing these aspects often see reduced turnover rates, higher employee satisfaction, and improved performance.
Improving Rapport Among Teams
A study from Harvard Business Review emphasizes the effect of psychological safety on team performance. Teams with high psychological safety, where employees feel comfortable taking risks and expressing their opinions, tend to outperform those without it.
With their relational leadership style, women managers are often better equipped to cultivate such environments. This is because they provide regular check-ins with feedback, are active listeners, acknowledge employees’ hard work and contributions, and create a safe space for open and honest dialogue.
Because of these reasons, it’s important to have a plan to mentor and promote women to leadership positions.
HR’s Role In Promoting Women to Leadership Positions
HR professionals can foster an inclusive culture that promotes women to leadership positions. This involves:
- Establishing mentorship and sponsorship programs to support women in their career development.
- Implementing training to reduce unconscious bias in hiring and promotion processes.
- Offering flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance, which is particularly beneficial for women.
- Providing transparent and structured career advancement opportunities.
Harness the Advantage of Women Managers
Women managers bring unique skills that can significantly enhance team performance and employee satisfaction. Their ability to build strong rapport, foster open communication, and create inclusive environments makes them invaluable assets to any organization.
Companies can harness these hidden advantages and drive long-term success by investing in leadership development and creating opportunities for women to rise to leadership positions.