Using the reading resources from this module reveals that the main differences in communication styles between women and men in leadership are less about the actual behaviors and more about how those behaviors are perceived and rewarded. Schlamp, Gerpott, and Voelpel (2021) found that both women and men use assertive and collaborative communication at similar rates, but men are more likely to be recognized and rewarded for assertive, task-focused behaviors. Women are often expected to be relational and supportive, and when they step outside these expectations, their contributions may be overlooked or undervalued. This bias is rooted in social role theory, which prescribes assertiveness for men and relational warmth for women, shaping how leadership is perceived within organizations.

These differences have a direct impact on an organization’s ability to meet strategic initiatives and fulfill its mission. When women’s voices and leadership styles are undervalued, organizations risk missing out on diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. Shonda Rhimes, in her TED Talk "My Year of Saying Yes to Everything," demonstrates the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and relational engagement in leadership. By embracing opportunities that foster connection and creativity, she shows that inclusive and emotionally intelligent communication can revitalize teams and drive organizational success. In my experience, when leaders prioritize empathy and openness, teams are more engaged and better equipped to achieve strategic goals.

To deliver on its mission, an organization must recognize and leverage the strengths of both assertive and collaborative communication styles. This means actively addressing unconscious bias and creating environments where all leaders are empowered to communicate authentically. Our firm emphasizes leadership and communication trainings to help address bias, and these courses are designed to reach a broad audience with different perspectives. By valuing diverse approaches and encouraging leaders to balance confidence with empathy, organizations can foster psychological safety, innovation, and high performance. As Shapiro’s research and Rhimes’ experience both suggest, effective leadership is not about conforming to gendered expectations, but about embracing the full spectrum of human communication.

Submission, APA, 2 paragraphs