A Matter of Connotation: The Difference in Words Used to Describe Men and Women in Leadership Positions
by Alexa Le
Photo: Unsplash
It is a truth universally acknowledged that… the words we choose matter. Every word, every phrase, and every description holds a subtle connotation that consciously and subconsciously affects the way we perceive a person or event.
By changing “good” to “great” or “shaky” to “tremulous,” we unlock a whole new world of meanings that, with repetition, can make an indelible mark on how we approach an issue.
Likewise, there is a vast difference between using “bossy” and “assertive” as a descriptor for a leader. While “bossy” brings up images of unsatisfied managers constantly yelling at their employees, “assertiveness” is typically associated with confidence, coolness, and self-assuredness. It comes as absolutely no surprise that in a study of 201 leaders by Center for Creative Leadership, “33% of women and 17% of men reported that they have received feedback that they are bossy at work. In other words, women were twice as likely to be branded bossy in the workplace” (1).
We can see this trend by just taking a look at how women are described in the headlines. When mentioning the success of women leaders in the media, there is almost always a qualifier in front of their achievements, including but not limited to race and gender stereotypes. There is a fascinating article on exactly this by The Pudding in collaboration with the Global Media Monitoring Program, with truly stunning graphics that depict this increasingly noticeable trend (2).
A few words here and there might not seem like a huge deal, but the meaning behind them truly does add up, especially if we become programmed throughout the years to associate women with these more negative traits even when they demonstrate the exact same behavior as men. This difference in perception boils down to how we define male and female characteristics in the workplace. As a direct result of how women are perceived in the workplace, women are less likely to demand what they deserve and speak up. The ones who do are immediately labeled as bossy or difficult and thus, the cycle is perpetuated.
If we want to break this pattern, we need to take a good look at the kind of words that enter our brains, reprogramming ourselves to actively dismantle the negative perception of female leaders when they possess the same characteristics of male leaders. After all, life is a matter of perception. With these subtle but effective changes, we can move forward into a brighter future and inspire the future generation of women to become leaders in their respective fields without fear of the harmful labels.