The 50th Law (with 50 Cent)

Masculine and feminine styles of relating to people and leadership:
As with
male chimpanzees, in a group setting the masculine style is to require a
leader, and to either aspire to that role or gain power by being the most
loyal follower. Leaders will designate various deputies to do their
bidding. Men form hierarchies and punish those who fall out of line.
They are highly status conscious, hyperaware of their place in the
group. Leaders will tend to use some element of fear to keep the group
cohesive. The masculine style of leadership is to identify clear goals
and reach them. It puts emphasis on results, however they are
achieved.
The feminine style is more about maintaining the group spirit and
keeping the relationships smoothed out, with fewer differences among
individuals. It is more empathetic, considering the feelings of each
member and trying to involve them more in the decision-making
process. Results are important, but the way they are achieved, the
process, is equally important.
For those with the masculine style, it is important to enlarge your
concept of leadership. When you think more deeply about the
individuals on the team and strategize to involve them more, you can
have superior results, engaging the energy and creativity of the group.
Studies have shown that boys are as empathetic as girls, highly
attuned, for instance, to the emotions of the mother. But empathy is
slowly drummed out of men as they come to develop their assertive
style. Some of the greatest male leaders in history, however, managed
to retain and develop their empathy. A leader such as Sir Ernest Henry

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Shackleton (see chapter 2) was no less of a man for his constant
consideration of the emotions of each of the men he was responsible
for—he was simply a stronger and more effective leader. The same
could be said of Abraham Lincoln.
For those of the feminine style, you must not be afraid of assuming
a strong leadership role, particularly in times of crisis. Considering the
feelings of everyone and incorporating the ideas of too many will
weaken you and your plans. Although women are certainly better
listeners, sometimes it is best to know when to stop listening and go
with the plan you have opted for. Once you recognize the fools, the
incompetents, and the hyperselfish in the group, it is best to fire them
and to even find pleasure in getting rid of those who bring the whole
group down. Instilling a touch of fear in your lieutenants is not always
a bad thing.
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Finally, look at it this way: We are compelled by nature to want to
move closer to what is feminine or masculine, in the form of an
attraction to another person. But if we are wise, we realize we are
equally compelled to do so inwardly. For centuries men have looked to
women as muses, sources of inspiration. The truth is that the muse, for
both genders, lies within. Moving closer to your anima or animus will
bring you closer to your unconscious, which contains untapped
creative treasures. The fascination you feel in relation to the feminine
or masculine in others you will now feel in relation to your work, to
your own thought process, and to life in general. Just as with shamans,
that inner wife or husband will become the source of uncanny powers.
What is most beautiful in virile men is something feminine; what is most
beautiful in feminine women is something masculine.
—Susan Sontag

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