The Power of Women (eBook)

chapter 4

The ‘office mum’ boss

‘Women bosses are investing 25% more than their male counterparts in making their teams’ workloads manageable and helping them navigate work/life challenges, and 60% more time providing emotional support.’¹

In the previous two chapters, we explored the double bind women bosses are under. When women step out of stereotypical assigned traits, they are given negative labels we don’t have for men: when they are highly assertive and driven, they are described as bossy; when they are harsh, standoffish and self-centred, they are Queen Bees. As we will see in this chapter, when women conform to stereotypical nurturing ...