Leadership in Darkness and Light: Gender Considerations

When certain leadership styles are assigned by gender, both men and women are stifled and shortchanged. Susanne Dumbleton examines the pitfalls of the traditional characteristics and types of actions that have been prescribed for each gender, especially for women. She defines politics as “the use and abuse of power,” and when women try to ignore politics, “passive complicity, irresponsible withdrawal, sacrifice [of their] destiny, and active complicity” can result. Each is explained in detail. Effective servant leaders of any gender must have a realistic view of human nature and maintain their faith in it despite its many negative aspects. They must be able to motivate others to action and take the light and dark sides of human behavior into account when forming long-term solutions to social ills. Vaclav Havel and Nelson Mandela are cited as successful servant leaders who have done this