9 Non-Threatening Leadership Strategies For Women
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If you’re a successful woman in 2017, you’re probably still getting called out for being ‘bossy’ and ‘uptight’. These 9 handy cartoons will help you ‘apologize’ in the nicest way possible.
Women in workplaces often have to deal with male counterparts who become threatened, emotionally, by their confidence and ambition. Sarah Cooper, an office worker turned comedian, came up with a few “non-threatening leadership strategies for women” to smooth over these uncomfortable situations. She runs a satirical blog called The Cooper Review, where she turns corporate woes into sarcastic cartoons and confuses people who take everything literally.
If these little tips made you laugh, put on your mustache and keep finding new ways to challenge sexism wherever it rears its ugly head.
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I'm sorry, but this post kind of pisses me off, and I"m sure I"ll get downvoted to oblivion, idc, but the fact that we even need to consider changing our work language to avoid potential injury or threat to the male ego, is sickening.
"she turns corporate woes into sarcastic cartoons and confuses people who take everything literally." Its sarcasm.. not the real thing.
Even if it is meant to be taken as a joke, most of these posts are still actually true.
How did you not get that this is satire?
I wasn't entirely sure til the moustache
With how some people work, I'm not so certain this is satire at all.
The sad thing is that the article you read speaks for women but it applies to EVERYONE. Good social skills and leadership rely HEAVILY on your language and actions and you need to be very good at reading other people. Good leadership inspires trust and a feeling of safety. “Under poor leaders we feel like we work for the company. With good leaders we feel like we work for each other.” - Simon Sinek You need to understand people really well in order to be a good leader, so the fact that you have to be very self aware with your language and actions is not surprising at all. This applies to ALL people, not just one gender.
I may or may not be right here but I'm guessing you're a man? If not, my bad.
And yes, I get this was done so in jest, but I read an article a couple years ago (that was not in jest) similar about words women should avoid in the workplace. Like seriously?
I've seen a similar article unfortunately! The ideas get more ridiculous as you go down the list so yes they're jokes. I found some funny but there are ones that I've heard women use and I think that's what jars. It's not so much of a joke then. Although I do always keep my fake moustache to hand.
like progress!
I reacted the same way at first, but then I realized it was satire. The thing with satire, though, especially when it is commenting on sexism and other injustice, is that it can come awfully close to being just another illustration of the problem, rather than a fun joke.
I know this article was meant as a joke, but I do a lot of these things so I come off as less imposing or "hard". I want people to want to work with me, not tense up when I come around the corner.
the mustache gave it away, luckily it's satire. Was pissing me off to, so he/she did very well :-).
No this is an amazing way of saying what I thought! Many up votes-- including mine!
I agree Amanda & I'm a man, the last time I checked anyway. It could be considered threatening whether a man said it to a woman or a woman to a man. If a man is threatened by a woman it's his problem. In a work place it's just good form to be diplomatic and non threatening (that goes for anywhere really)
I agree with you whole heartedly! And if I had more hearts, they'd agree with u too!
here's an upvote for ya :)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I resigned when a woman was placed over me. I finally relented after an officer from the Head Office called me, but I still consider it something to be ashamed of. To tell the truth, she was okay as a boss, but she was a WOMAN. Oh, the shame of it. I can't imagine how soldiers can accept having a female officer. It mst be terrible.
And, honestly, I believe you're not capable of giving valuable reasons of why you think women shouldn't be in charge and you most likely can't offer valid evidence or proof either.
Just because your boss happened to be a woman doesn't make her automatically a bad boss.
I agree that this is wrong, but I am pretty sure this is supposed to be a joke.
"she turns corporate woes into sarcastic cartoons and confuses people who take everything literally."
I got a bit pissed first, but then I saw that they where so stupid to be real... the obvious one is the one with the moustache.
Ok guys take a deep breath. It's a joke.
Yet... not really... :)
EXACTLY! Everyone needs to calm down a bit (0_0)
uh guys (and girls)...you understand this is sarcasm? This is showing what some woman are facing as leaders (i.e. establish her leadership). This is of course put to the extreme limit to show the absurdity of things. (for my personnal point of view now: I think that at least for the first one, the "non threatening" way is the best, even if your are a man)
Yes, it's sarcasm but it's still making a point. A point that doesn't just apply to women - it applies to both genders. It's not just women facing these judgements when they speak in a direct/aggressive way. I believe this is why it's rubbing people the wrong way, instead of coming off as comedy.
Arty - "lots of men still don't want to be lead by a woman." The same can be said of women. A lot of women don't like to be lead by men either. I do understand this comic is meant to be humorous and exaggerated. But I have found many articles that feel this is a problem that ONLY women face and that is not the case. I just feel that this comic is trying too hard to pander to women since it's a prevalent issue in the media (feminism, women's march, etc). It causes anger towards men and division between genders. But, that's my personal opinion.
orenji: says nobody...it's a fact. lots of man still don't want to be lead by a woman. nobody ever said it's everywhere and I'm sure you have seen the contrary (me either). Even if business is involved, some man still have problem to legitimate woman at leading position. Then again, this comic is sarcasm and amplified everything A LOT.
it may not *only* apply to woman, but woman with leading position more often need to sweeten their directives to make it pass to man. Yet to my experience it's sometimes the contrary that really happens, woman feeling "threatened" in their position are reacting with more strictness than necessary. Not saying they are right or wrong but it's the consequence of the whole man-woman relationship.
Arty: "but woman with leading position more often need to sweeten their directives to make it pass to man." - Says who, though? I've seen women in leading positions be very direct and is successful is sending out her message. She made her points respectfully but with confidence. I have never seen someone who says things too nicely get anything done in a leading position. I have only seen this "too nice" attitude in people who are not in leading positions because they do not have confidence in their own beliefs or decisions. Again, this is my own experience, but I have never seen a rule that says women have to be nicer to get a man to be convinced. If your message is backed by facts and you have the experience, even if the man does not like women, he will do what is best for the business. If you generate the dollars, they don't care what genitals you have.
THANK YOU
To me, it has nothing to do with "Threatening" vs "Non-Threatening" as that would depend completely on who you're talking to. Some of the things listed as "threatening" are not threatening to me at all... Some of them just sound like the "leader" has no regard for the employee and the "non-threatening" one is someone who has no confidence and is too nice at times. Middle ground is important. It's good to have social skills and not transfer unnecessary stress to your team. You can do this while still being assertive and confident.
I wanted to add something else. Many men who have no regard for their team's feelings are seen as "assholes" as well. If you think this is a woman issue, then you've got a very narrow point of view. But this is my opinion. I've seen terrible male and female leaders. I will respect the one who treats their team as a TEAM and not something they command, regardless of gender.
Funny how everyone in the comments aims at gender (either missing the satire or not), but nobody realises how cultural the way you propose these requests are. "I'm sorry, are these numbers right" is a very British way of saying "these numbers are wrong", as is putting an idea forward by saying "just thinking out loud". Also, in African and Asian cultures you can't tell your colleague/manager that their comment is inappropriate. Got nothing to do with gender, but everything with culture and languistics.
Again with the gender division. This should simply come down to treating your fellow human beings with kindness and pre-thought whenever possible. We'll all slip up sometimes on our bad days, but as a general rule being thoughtful to EVERYONE is a virtue. Men should do that, women should do that, and kids should be taught to do that.
Well said!
The first two or three are actually sort of good but the rest are just sexist non funny jokes.
I like 3 or 2 of these ideas but let me say now im not going to slow down my fast typing lol
Ya this is horrible in a billion ways, but I'm 99.999999% sure this is a joke because of the type with one finger thing, or else the writer is just horrible.
Dunno if culture or language thing, the satire or comedy isn't really coming trough. Like not enough tiptoe around vulnerable male ego, too subtle.
I know this is a joke but it still feels too close to the truth that I do have to modify my behaviour to avoid pissing off and to be paid even the slightest bit of attention by male "co"-workers and managers. At least the sort of attention that revolves around my job description, not my tits.
I'm glad to know this is all sarcastic. Cause I'm not gonna be nice and docile in leadership for men around me. Sorry. Heh.
So you are advocating submission, compliance and subservience? As a father of a young daughter, I am teaching her the exact opposite. AND I have told her not to grow a mustache...
This was supposed to be funny? I've been in the corporate world for decades and this is pure bullshit. Not even remotely funny when women so often actually have to use these idiot tactics to keep their job. Take things too literally?....you bet, I've lived it. Not amused.
So we have to act like little girls because men can't handle normal women? Apologies if I didn't get this, because these are jokes or irony - if not, then this is a threatening message. WTF!
do we have to act like little children because men can't handle a normal woman?? WTF is this? This is a threatening message. Apologies if these cartoons were jokes or irony. Did not get it.
Ok, for a moment my bloodpressure shot up. Then I realized it's a joke - and a pretty good one. actually. Phew. It sure hit a nerve.
HAHAHAH! This is classic :D all the pisses off people in the comment section should read. It clearly says explains that these cartoons are satire..
I'd suggest everyone read to the very end before commenting.
I'm sure this post is supposed to be a joke, but, it pisses me off to no end. Why should women have to correct themselves if they're correct?
I know, right?
:)
So if someone makes a sexist comment i have to laugh? Im just gonna follow all the threatening things how bout dah?
Tip: replace everything with sarcasm ..XD
That is so true
I know it's satire but when I read this.... It makes me wanna.....ARg@#$h%hh... I deal with this kind of things on a daily basis at work.
I can sense the sarcasm. This isn't a guide on should be done, but what is actually going on already. From experience, employers prefer if you make your statements nice, but long winded over to-the-point and direct.
Uhm... Because women are the only one to be uptight?
this is only ok if you are a pushover
Is this a kljole?
^JOKE
Oh, I get sarcasm...
Hope it's a joke, because women should be able to speak just like a man in the same situation.
well they know where they can stick that one finger ;o)
VERY tongue in cheek. a bit too much for 4 in the morning, but I see what you guys did there ;)
I disagree. These are seen more as submissive rather than 'non threatening'. It makes a poor leader. U don't have to be rude, but assertive!
So basically plau like you're dumb, stupid and incapabke in order to stoke the egos of males. Come on! This is exactly the problem right now.
I agree with you
this is so stupid "oh let me type slowly with one finger so I don't threaten anyone" what the fudge! I seriously hope this is a joke, I was super confused at first.
I think all but the two last ones are brilliant. That is obviously not how it should be in the work place but that's exactly how it is.
These are things that should apply and be applied to all no matter the gender.
This is really sexist. I'm not going to change the way I present myself to the world just because it hurts a guy's ego. That's disgusting.
this entire post is in a sarcastic tone.
I have worked a lot w men but I never had problems. Only badass narcistic ego's pisses me off. I can't understand their feeling at all!
I hate to shorten my skirts to get things done or to raise my voice, so I was glad to read these lines. message: Act like a moron to level
We shouldn't even have to be apologizing for wanting to get shit done. If men can't handle the way we talk to them, then that is their problem, not ours, and we shouldn't be trying to "fix" that. And we all know they wouldn't be having an issue if it was men talking to them the way we might.
If a man spoke to you in a way you didn't like, I think it would be fair to say that he SHOULD be aware of how he speaks to his employees. It goes both ways. Leaders should be very aware of how they speak to their team and inspire trust and a feeling of safety and family. I'm sure you have noticed that when you have a bad boss it influences the work ethic of the team and the environment of the office. A "boss" will cause resentment. A "leader" uplifts and encourages. Both will do this with confidence but cause very different effects.
It depends on how they speak to us. If they're speaking professionally, then that's fine. Sexual talk or telling others how they should address a person, that's what pisses me off
I simply don't think these are strategies for women. I rather think they are ideas for everyone who wants to lead people in any way.
WTF is this???
alright got it
me after any click on anything
I don't understand why this is necessary? "Women are lesser, lets make sure they know how to work, they can't figure it out on their own" ??
I think this is valid for both men and women. We should all be respectful of each other.
#8 Instead: "Typing normally is threatening", you should say "one-finger-typers are spastics"!!!!
No, just no!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
rofl this seems as if women can't use normal communication skills lessons/books for everyone. There has to be a speciale book for "women" to learn how to communicate? If they really do then it only proves women are not equal to men at all.
Sorry, I have to do this. It's not "speciale" it's "special". So sorry, I couldn't control my need to correct that.
That's ok. We all can't control our needs at times. Wether you are someone who's needs are actually significant or not does not change this. It's a human habbit. Everyone has it from time to time. Some have needs they can't control that change human rights for the entire earth for the better or save nature or a specific species. Or prevent global warming. So many needs so little time. ^^
I'm sorry, but this post kind of pisses me off, and I"m sure I"ll get downvoted to oblivion, idc, but the fact that we even need to consider changing our work language to avoid potential injury or threat to the male ego, is sickening.
"she turns corporate woes into sarcastic cartoons and confuses people who take everything literally." Its sarcasm.. not the real thing.
Even if it is meant to be taken as a joke, most of these posts are still actually true.
How did you not get that this is satire?
I wasn't entirely sure til the moustache
With how some people work, I'm not so certain this is satire at all.
The sad thing is that the article you read speaks for women but it applies to EVERYONE. Good social skills and leadership rely HEAVILY on your language and actions and you need to be very good at reading other people. Good leadership inspires trust and a feeling of safety. “Under poor leaders we feel like we work for the company. With good leaders we feel like we work for each other.” - Simon Sinek You need to understand people really well in order to be a good leader, so the fact that you have to be very self aware with your language and actions is not surprising at all. This applies to ALL people, not just one gender.
I may or may not be right here but I'm guessing you're a man? If not, my bad.
And yes, I get this was done so in jest, but I read an article a couple years ago (that was not in jest) similar about words women should avoid in the workplace. Like seriously?
I've seen a similar article unfortunately! The ideas get more ridiculous as you go down the list so yes they're jokes. I found some funny but there are ones that I've heard women use and I think that's what jars. It's not so much of a joke then. Although I do always keep my fake moustache to hand.
like progress!
I reacted the same way at first, but then I realized it was satire. The thing with satire, though, especially when it is commenting on sexism and other injustice, is that it can come awfully close to being just another illustration of the problem, rather than a fun joke.
I know this article was meant as a joke, but I do a lot of these things so I come off as less imposing or "hard". I want people to want to work with me, not tense up when I come around the corner.
the mustache gave it away, luckily it's satire. Was pissing me off to, so he/she did very well :-).
No this is an amazing way of saying what I thought! Many up votes-- including mine!
I agree Amanda & I'm a man, the last time I checked anyway. It could be considered threatening whether a man said it to a woman or a woman to a man. If a man is threatened by a woman it's his problem. In a work place it's just good form to be diplomatic and non threatening (that goes for anywhere really)
I agree with you whole heartedly! And if I had more hearts, they'd agree with u too!
here's an upvote for ya :)
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I resigned when a woman was placed over me. I finally relented after an officer from the Head Office called me, but I still consider it something to be ashamed of. To tell the truth, she was okay as a boss, but she was a WOMAN. Oh, the shame of it. I can't imagine how soldiers can accept having a female officer. It mst be terrible.
And, honestly, I believe you're not capable of giving valuable reasons of why you think women shouldn't be in charge and you most likely can't offer valid evidence or proof either.
Just because your boss happened to be a woman doesn't make her automatically a bad boss.
I agree that this is wrong, but I am pretty sure this is supposed to be a joke.
"she turns corporate woes into sarcastic cartoons and confuses people who take everything literally."
I got a bit pissed first, but then I saw that they where so stupid to be real... the obvious one is the one with the moustache.
Ok guys take a deep breath. It's a joke.
Yet... not really... :)
EXACTLY! Everyone needs to calm down a bit (0_0)
uh guys (and girls)...you understand this is sarcasm? This is showing what some woman are facing as leaders (i.e. establish her leadership). This is of course put to the extreme limit to show the absurdity of things. (for my personnal point of view now: I think that at least for the first one, the "non threatening" way is the best, even if your are a man)
Yes, it's sarcasm but it's still making a point. A point that doesn't just apply to women - it applies to both genders. It's not just women facing these judgements when they speak in a direct/aggressive way. I believe this is why it's rubbing people the wrong way, instead of coming off as comedy.
Arty - "lots of men still don't want to be lead by a woman." The same can be said of women. A lot of women don't like to be lead by men either. I do understand this comic is meant to be humorous and exaggerated. But I have found many articles that feel this is a problem that ONLY women face and that is not the case. I just feel that this comic is trying too hard to pander to women since it's a prevalent issue in the media (feminism, women's march, etc). It causes anger towards men and division between genders. But, that's my personal opinion.
orenji: says nobody...it's a fact. lots of man still don't want to be lead by a woman. nobody ever said it's everywhere and I'm sure you have seen the contrary (me either). Even if business is involved, some man still have problem to legitimate woman at leading position. Then again, this comic is sarcasm and amplified everything A LOT.
it may not *only* apply to woman, but woman with leading position more often need to sweeten their directives to make it pass to man. Yet to my experience it's sometimes the contrary that really happens, woman feeling "threatened" in their position are reacting with more strictness than necessary. Not saying they are right or wrong but it's the consequence of the whole man-woman relationship.
Arty: "but woman with leading position more often need to sweeten their directives to make it pass to man." - Says who, though? I've seen women in leading positions be very direct and is successful is sending out her message. She made her points respectfully but with confidence. I have never seen someone who says things too nicely get anything done in a leading position. I have only seen this "too nice" attitude in people who are not in leading positions because they do not have confidence in their own beliefs or decisions. Again, this is my own experience, but I have never seen a rule that says women have to be nicer to get a man to be convinced. If your message is backed by facts and you have the experience, even if the man does not like women, he will do what is best for the business. If you generate the dollars, they don't care what genitals you have.
THANK YOU
To me, it has nothing to do with "Threatening" vs "Non-Threatening" as that would depend completely on who you're talking to. Some of the things listed as "threatening" are not threatening to me at all... Some of them just sound like the "leader" has no regard for the employee and the "non-threatening" one is someone who has no confidence and is too nice at times. Middle ground is important. It's good to have social skills and not transfer unnecessary stress to your team. You can do this while still being assertive and confident.
I wanted to add something else. Many men who have no regard for their team's feelings are seen as "assholes" as well. If you think this is a woman issue, then you've got a very narrow point of view. But this is my opinion. I've seen terrible male and female leaders. I will respect the one who treats their team as a TEAM and not something they command, regardless of gender.
Funny how everyone in the comments aims at gender (either missing the satire or not), but nobody realises how cultural the way you propose these requests are. "I'm sorry, are these numbers right" is a very British way of saying "these numbers are wrong", as is putting an idea forward by saying "just thinking out loud". Also, in African and Asian cultures you can't tell your colleague/manager that their comment is inappropriate. Got nothing to do with gender, but everything with culture and languistics.
Again with the gender division. This should simply come down to treating your fellow human beings with kindness and pre-thought whenever possible. We'll all slip up sometimes on our bad days, but as a general rule being thoughtful to EVERYONE is a virtue. Men should do that, women should do that, and kids should be taught to do that.
Well said!
The first two or three are actually sort of good but the rest are just sexist non funny jokes.
I like 3 or 2 of these ideas but let me say now im not going to slow down my fast typing lol
Ya this is horrible in a billion ways, but I'm 99.999999% sure this is a joke because of the type with one finger thing, or else the writer is just horrible.
Dunno if culture or language thing, the satire or comedy isn't really coming trough. Like not enough tiptoe around vulnerable male ego, too subtle.
I know this is a joke but it still feels too close to the truth that I do have to modify my behaviour to avoid pissing off and to be paid even the slightest bit of attention by male "co"-workers and managers. At least the sort of attention that revolves around my job description, not my tits.
I'm glad to know this is all sarcastic. Cause I'm not gonna be nice and docile in leadership for men around me. Sorry. Heh.
So you are advocating submission, compliance and subservience? As a father of a young daughter, I am teaching her the exact opposite. AND I have told her not to grow a mustache...
This was supposed to be funny? I've been in the corporate world for decades and this is pure bullshit. Not even remotely funny when women so often actually have to use these idiot tactics to keep their job. Take things too literally?....you bet, I've lived it. Not amused.
So we have to act like little girls because men can't handle normal women? Apologies if I didn't get this, because these are jokes or irony - if not, then this is a threatening message. WTF!
do we have to act like little children because men can't handle a normal woman?? WTF is this? This is a threatening message. Apologies if these cartoons were jokes or irony. Did not get it.
Ok, for a moment my bloodpressure shot up. Then I realized it's a joke - and a pretty good one. actually. Phew. It sure hit a nerve.
HAHAHAH! This is classic :D all the pisses off people in the comment section should read. It clearly says explains that these cartoons are satire..
I'd suggest everyone read to the very end before commenting.
I'm sure this post is supposed to be a joke, but, it pisses me off to no end. Why should women have to correct themselves if they're correct?
I know, right?
:)
So if someone makes a sexist comment i have to laugh? Im just gonna follow all the threatening things how bout dah?
Tip: replace everything with sarcasm ..XD
That is so true
I know it's satire but when I read this.... It makes me wanna.....ARg@#$h%hh... I deal with this kind of things on a daily basis at work.
I can sense the sarcasm. This isn't a guide on should be done, but what is actually going on already. From experience, employers prefer if you make your statements nice, but long winded over to-the-point and direct.
Uhm... Because women are the only one to be uptight?
this is only ok if you are a pushover
Is this a kljole?
^JOKE
Oh, I get sarcasm...
Hope it's a joke, because women should be able to speak just like a man in the same situation.
well they know where they can stick that one finger ;o)
VERY tongue in cheek. a bit too much for 4 in the morning, but I see what you guys did there ;)
I disagree. These are seen more as submissive rather than 'non threatening'. It makes a poor leader. U don't have to be rude, but assertive!
So basically plau like you're dumb, stupid and incapabke in order to stoke the egos of males. Come on! This is exactly the problem right now.
I agree with you
this is so stupid "oh let me type slowly with one finger so I don't threaten anyone" what the fudge! I seriously hope this is a joke, I was super confused at first.
I think all but the two last ones are brilliant. That is obviously not how it should be in the work place but that's exactly how it is.
These are things that should apply and be applied to all no matter the gender.
This is really sexist. I'm not going to change the way I present myself to the world just because it hurts a guy's ego. That's disgusting.
this entire post is in a sarcastic tone.
I have worked a lot w men but I never had problems. Only badass narcistic ego's pisses me off. I can't understand their feeling at all!
I hate to shorten my skirts to get things done or to raise my voice, so I was glad to read these lines. message: Act like a moron to level
We shouldn't even have to be apologizing for wanting to get shit done. If men can't handle the way we talk to them, then that is their problem, not ours, and we shouldn't be trying to "fix" that. And we all know they wouldn't be having an issue if it was men talking to them the way we might.
If a man spoke to you in a way you didn't like, I think it would be fair to say that he SHOULD be aware of how he speaks to his employees. It goes both ways. Leaders should be very aware of how they speak to their team and inspire trust and a feeling of safety and family. I'm sure you have noticed that when you have a bad boss it influences the work ethic of the team and the environment of the office. A "boss" will cause resentment. A "leader" uplifts and encourages. Both will do this with confidence but cause very different effects.
It depends on how they speak to us. If they're speaking professionally, then that's fine. Sexual talk or telling others how they should address a person, that's what pisses me off
I simply don't think these are strategies for women. I rather think they are ideas for everyone who wants to lead people in any way.
WTF is this???
alright got it
me after any click on anything
I don't understand why this is necessary? "Women are lesser, lets make sure they know how to work, they can't figure it out on their own" ??
I think this is valid for both men and women. We should all be respectful of each other.
#8 Instead: "Typing normally is threatening", you should say "one-finger-typers are spastics"!!!!
No, just no!
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
rofl this seems as if women can't use normal communication skills lessons/books for everyone. There has to be a speciale book for "women" to learn how to communicate? If they really do then it only proves women are not equal to men at all.
Sorry, I have to do this. It's not "speciale" it's "special". So sorry, I couldn't control my need to correct that.
That's ok. We all can't control our needs at times. Wether you are someone who's needs are actually significant or not does not change this. It's a human habbit. Everyone has it from time to time. Some have needs they can't control that change human rights for the entire earth for the better or save nature or a specific species. Or prevent global warming. So many needs so little time. ^^