Thomas Kuczmarski, who teaches courses on innovation at Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, was recently discussing a new book he wrote about leadership with his wife, Susan Kuczmarski, a cultural anthropologist. In Apples Are Square: Thinking Differently About Leadership (to be published in July), he posits that the old Jack Welch model of leadership - assertive, aggressive, controlling, and competitive behavior – has to change. “We need more feminine characteristics in management,” he stated.

But do women have genuinely distinctive characteristics when it comes to leadership? 

Last month, Sextant invited a number of professionals to a discussion dedicated to this very topic. This Reuters Newsmaker panel entitled, “Women Leaders-Changing Business Leadership”, was moderated by Roslyn Courtney, an executive coach and consultant. Courtney has spent five years conducting in-depth interviews of top leaders across industries to identify the crucial ingredients that drive their track records of success. She found striking patterns in the approach of certain women professionals who dare to win big in business.

Among the participants were Nina Link, CEO and President of Magazine Publishers of America; Janet Hanson, Advisor to the President of Lehman Brothers and founder of Milestone Capital Management and 85 Broads; Cathy Martine, SVP of US Wholesale Sales for AT&T, Lee Ann Daly, EVP and CMO for Reuters, and Angeliki Frangou, Chairman and CEO of Navios Maritime Holdings.

The executives spoke openly about their career highs and lows, sharing the commonalities and differences in their innovative approaches. A few key themes emerged as the presenters engaged each other:

1. Approach every situation with a beginner’s mind. Corporate America thinks inside a career box. Think outside of it.
   
   
2. In a global business, be adaptable. Say “yes” when asked to do something different, and believe that as a creative person, you can do anything.
   
   
3. Be open to the “wow” factor. There is so much to learn from each one of your career choices and adventures.
   
   
4. Effective leaders constantly ask questions and as a result, often see solutions that others don’t.
   
   
5. Be an admirer of talent. Be extraordinarily proud of others’ accomplishments. Enable others to lead and excel vs. criticize.
   
   
6. Be willing to pursue personal risk.
   
   
7. Truly understand, accept, and honor the youngest executives that you know, as they often have the most to teach you.
   
   
8. Know what others within the marketplace are doing. Gather intelligence early and often.
   
   
9. Continuous exploration means always stretching your leadership, the capabilities of your colleagues, and your business. Get out from behind your desk and extend your outside networks. Feed your head.
   
   
10. Have unwavering faith in what you believe. Being true to yourself will allow you to leave a legacy.

Through interactive dialogue, the authentic side of leadership was revealed. I was moved and inspired by the moxie and candid advice of the speakers, all of whom are pioneers in their respective industries. The energy and inspiration these entrepreneurs sparked within the audience reminded me that traditional barriers begin in the mind, and attitudes can change along with personal potential.

Although these ideas were shared among women, the panelists would probably object to calling them “feminine.” They might instead propose that great leadership requires a “human” approach – strength from vulnerability, wisdom from shared insights, and fearlessness from a strong sense of self. All savvy leaders – women and men – are likely to embrace these values as a part of their growth as rainmakers.

I look forward to reviewing the evening program with Roz Courtney at Sextant’s New York office, where we will invite an outside assembly to share the highlights from the original event and open a forum for exchange on issues of leadership. Details will be featured on our events calendar in the upcoming months.