Leadership is Feminine: The Sandwich Generation: How Gen X Women Balance Business, Family, and Aging Parents

Leadership is Feminine

For most women, when we are invited to study leadership the teachers, scholars, authorities and models are primarily… men. We are indoctrinated from the time we are born that men are the leaders and that natural male characteristics are the strengths you must also possess to be a good leader. Powerful. Strong. Authoritative. Direct. Assertive. Decisive. These and so many more are attributes that are typically associated with the male model of a leader. And so, for the better part of the last one hundred years as women have made their way into the fold, in a variety of leadership roles, we have learned and studied to walk the way of a men to achieve success. Women dismiss their own knowing because we’ve been so indoctrinated in male leadership models. We dismiss what we know for what others tell us to be and how to be seen. There is another way to lead. To be in alignment. To not feel like an imposter. It’s time for the reimagining of leadership. That’s not to disparage any of the progress that has come before us. Progress is progress. For those of us who stand in the footsteps of the women who came before us we are here because of their courage, bravery and resilience. I wonder instead if women equally looked to the characteristics they learned from their mothers for leadership. I wonder if we were taught to lean on different qualities to drive success. I wonder what might happen then? The traditional qualities of mothering are communication, nurturing, listening, strength, support, grace, and yes… love. What if to be the best leader you can be as a woman, you integrated the best of both? This is how women will stand with integrity in their role as leaders. As women, we can be assertive, direct, powerful, and authoritative but we need not only rely on those attributes for success. After 25 years of watching and studying leaders, I can tell you that for sure many traditional male attributes are effective in the short run, but they typically only serve a few. Whereas, when leadership is feminine. When the leader possesses the strengths of femininity and grace the results are for all. This podcast is my like my gentle request and invitation to my fellow female leaders that we reclaim the world leadership as one that is a feminine definition. That we continue to work with all of our allies to build organizations and systems that include more support, collaboration, grace and communication. And that we do so not because we are uncomfortable with the more traditional male-dominating models, but because we truly do know that leadership is a feminine strength and attribute. And the world needs more of us leading. Now more than ever.

Leadership is Feminine

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The Sandwich Generation: How Gen X Women Balance Business, Family, and Aging Parents | E138 0

Dec 4, 2023

As we continue our conversation about GenX Female Founders in Leadership is Feminine, this enlightening episode explores the unique world we all operate in, as GenX Women. Today’s focus is on the distinctive challenges they face as part of the "Sandwich Generation," juggling responsibilities towards both aging parents and growing children, often while managing thriving businesses. The episode delves into the nuances of this generational role, discussing how it shapes leadership styles, personal well-being, and family dynamics.

Kris candidly addresses issues like burnout, adrenal fatigue, and the evolving perception of women's health and emotional needs. The conversation also turns to the impact of Gen X parenting styles on current workplace dynamics, particularly the emotional intelligence and resilience of younger employees. The episode offers a fascinating look at how generational shifts influence leadership, personal growth, and professional challenges for Gen X women.

"We're the 'Sandwich Generation,' managing kids and aging parents, while running multimillion-dollar businesses. We're confronting burnout, adrenal fatigue, and a whole new world of emotional challenges. But as Gen X women, we're also uniquely equipped to lead with compassion and resilience. It's about more than just surviving - it's about thriving in these complex roles we play."

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

The "Sandwich Generation" Challenge: Understanding the unique pressures faced by Gen X women balancing the care of children and aging parents while running businesses.
Burnout and Adrenal Fatigue: Acknowledging the real health concerns affecting Gen X women, including the recent recognition and treatment of conditions like adrenal fatigue.
Evolution in Women's Health Perceptions: Tracing how society's understanding and treatment of women's health issues have progressed over generations.
Parenting Styles Influencing Leadership: Exploring the impact of Gen X parenting approaches on current workplace dynamics, especially regarding emotional intelligence and resilience.
The Potential of Gen X Leadership: Recognizing Gen X women's unique position to positively influence the next generation of leaders with their balanced approach to work and life.

This episode is a must-listen for any Gen X female entrepreneur who feels the weight of being caught between personal and professional responsibilities. It provides valuable insights, shared experiences, and strategies for balancing life's various roles while maintaining personal well-being and effective leadership.

Contact Info and Recommended Resources

Connect with Kris Plachy

LEAD FOR WOMEN: LEAD FOR WOMEN is THE curated Leadership Development, Training AND Advisement program for Elite Visionary Women, including C-Suite Women, seeking to upgrade their skills leading, managing, communicating with, and inspiring the people you pay to achieve results in your business. thevisionary.ceo/lead
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