This might just be our most controversial debate yet!
Statistically there are more female coaches within OTD than male. This has happened organically rather than by design but it does beg an interesting question.
Is it that most women just make better business coaches than men?
“It’s an interesting industry and one that is different from others in that the percentage of women in training is larger than men,” says Liz Connelly.
“Without getting into the gender debate too much, I believe there are a number of reasons. I believe we have skills at high levels which means that training suits ‘us’ well.”
It has been speculated that the gender pay gap is substantially smaller in L&D compared to other industries, leading to a higher level of job satisfaction for female employees. Could that be a key reason?
Liz suggests that women are also perhaps more inclined to recognise and develop people’s potential, gaining greater satisfaction at seeing others achieve their aspirations.
In his own unique style, Daniel Velasco points to an “evolution from necessities”.
He asks: “If you were sick and therefore physically unable to perform certain tasks such as lying down, standing up, sitting down, taking a bath and eating your meals and because of that, you had to receive professional attention, support and care, what would you prefer? A male nurse or a female nurse?”
The answer, in Daniel’s view, is that a “mix of characteristics, qualities and of course willingness, is the necessary ingredient for this and any other professional role”. Agree?
Interesting debate, I’ve been a fully trained solider , as well as a male nurse, a supportive hubby for a few decades and a caring Dad. and the combination of all of these shows that its how you use your specific characteristics when dealing with others. Personally all of my best managers in my career have been women! And that includes Ruth (Mrs W)