The following is a blog by Moe Carrick

Recently, Mark Zuckerberg lamented the "feminization" of workplaces, as if empathy, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are somehow threats to progress. (Pause for eye roll.)

Let’s get honest. When we label basic human strengths like empathy and relationship-building as "feminine," we don’t just reinforce rigid leadership stereotypes—we uphold outdated biases that limit everyone. These restrictive norms don’t just hold women back; they cut men off from essential aspects of their own humanity. The results? Men are dying by suicide at nearly four times the rate of women, battling skyrocketing addiction, and reporting record levels of isolation and disconnection. These aren’t just statistics. They are a wake-up call.

And the data back it up. The Athena Doctrine by John Gerzema and Michael D’Antonio argues that traits traditionally labeled as "feminine"—adaptability, transparency, intuition—lead to stronger businesses, more engaged teams, and better bottom-line results. The catch? These qualities aren’t feminine or masculine. They’re human.

The best leaders I know:

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Balance decisiveness with deep listening.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Show vulnerability while maintaining clear boundaries.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Build genuine connections while driving results.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Express care while holding high standards.

<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Process emotions openly and create space for others to do the same.

These aren’t "soft" skills that weaken leadership. They’re essential capabilities that define it. When we gender them, we don’t just hold women back—we shackle men, too.

The future of leadership isn’t about choosing between "masculine" or "feminine" traits. It’s about liberating all leaders to be fully human. Because the stakes aren’t just about business performance. They’re about lives.

So here’s my challenge to you: What would change in your workplace if we stopped gendering leadership qualities? How might your own leadership evolve if you embraced all of your human capabilities? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear from you.

P.S. The strongest leaders I know lead with both heart and backbone. What about you?

Moe’s website is : moementum.com​

Gary Langenwalter

Portland Consulting Group

For Vibrant Organizations

(971) 221-8155