At its worst, masculinity has been described as slightly chauvinist, self-serving and toxic. Case in point: Donald Trump’s so-called locker-room talk during the 2016 presidential campaign. But that’s a lopsided characterization of this word that requires additional context. In “The Way of the Superior Man,” which is an excellent book, author David Deida goes beyond gender specificity to redefine masculinity for contemporary times. He describes masculine energy as doing and achieving, molded by logic and reason, whereas feminine energy is more intuitive and about a state of being.
When these two forces are balanced, we find ourselves with a deep sense of harmony and fulfillment. It’s crucial to always have that masculine-feminine polarity within any relationship. Couples who have been together for many years often begin to lose that dynamic and may turn into loving companions or decide to divorce. This issue holds valuable lessons for business leadership. Purpose is the key quality that defines healthy masculinity in the workplace.
When individual employees, managers or executives act in the best interest of the organization as a whole, then they will thrive in a stable environment where others can work efficiently at a high level. Leaders who adopt masculinity in this form will deliver an overall sense of wellbeing that can ripple out to the rest of the organization. Providing this sort of safe space for others to work in allows for the highest possible purpose to be achieved, which in turn, results in a resilience that fuels business growth.
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