Hi Max,

Terrific post on a timely topic.  You ask great questions about gender and leadership.

Initial thoughts come to mind: Strong and Sensitive, Soft and Hard, Tough Love.  Knowing how and when is the stuff of effective parenting, top management and inspiring leadership.

On average, are women more emotionally intelligent?  If so, do they make better leaders?  The answers, I think, lie in both biology and conditioning.  Are men tougher? Are women more sensitive?

I had a strong mother figure who was nurturing, driven and inspiring.  She made me tough, sensitive and a creative problem-solver.  All serve me well in running my search business, managing people and motivating others in my training/keynotes.

The answers to your questions may center around:  Who are the better listeners?  Who can offer constructive feedback?  Who can "read" people and inspire?

Top leaders to me are both men and women with kind hearts, deep sensitivity who are tough when they need to be.  They are exceptional communicators who inspire with their vision.

Best, Mike