Masculine and feminine energy: a balancing act

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Regardless of our gender, we are all composed of both masculine and feminine energies. In fact gender constructs are widely understood by social scientists as culturally shaped rather than inherently tied to our biological sex. However, it is also true that most men are encouraged from a young age to emulate ‘masculine traits’ and women ‘feminine traits’.

In patriarchal cultures, like the western world we live in, we can see that feminine energy has typically been undervalued, disrespected, and suppressed by the dominance of masculine energy, disrupting this natural equilibrium. And when we examine workplaces through the lens of gender, it becomes clear how much attention and reward masculine energy receives.

This imbalance creates challenges for women at work. To be liked by others often we need to emphasise our feminine traits like nurturing or collaborating (and reflect the stereotype of what it is to be a woman). However to be considered a ‘leader’ or even ‘professional’ we need to emphasise more masculine traits. This creates a bind between meeting societal expectations and achieving success at work.

It’s also worth noting that men who have developed and placed value on traits considered to be ‘feminine’ also face barriers at work due to this bias towards the masculine traits.

We can restore our creative wellbeing for ourselves as well as those around us by exploring what we can do to address this imbalance.

Coaching questions:

Explore these coaching questions to take a step towards restoring balance in your creative wellbeing and contribute to a healthier workplace culture for everyone.

1. Which energy level do you bring more often in the workplace?
   Consider whether your interactions are guided more by traits typically associated with masculine energy, such as assertiveness and competition, or by traits linked to feminine energy, such as empathy and collaboration. An honest assessment can reveal patterns that may influence your professional relationships and overall workplace experience.

2. What would you like to explore bringing more of or less of?
   Identify specific traits from both ends of the spectrum that you feel could enhance your effectiveness at work. Are there masculine traits like decisiveness or confidence that you wish to develop further? Conversely, are there feminine traits like intuition or support that you feel could enrich your work environment if embraced more fully? Experimenting with this balance can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling professional life.

3. How has your lived experience of gender shaped your leadership?
   Reflect on how your gender and societal expectations have impacted your leadership style. Consider whether you feel pressure to conform to certain behaviours based on your gender and how these expectations have either supported or hindered your growth. Understanding this relationship can empower you to redefine your leadership approach, embracing a blend of both energies that align with your values and the needs of those you lead.