“Women are self-illuminated” (Yogi Bhajan)

With regard to women leadership, gender differences are a reality and a resource, not only for couple relationships , as we learned from John Gray. Dogmatic ideas often prevail on the subject : either denying any difference for the sake of equality between the sexes , or overturning the same concepts of abuse of power or superiority, or showing women as perennial victims of patriarchy.

Man and woman are like the sun and the moon : fundamentally different and therefore suitable to cooperate [1], as it happened for thousands of years until the Neolithic, as shown by the studies by Marija Gimbutas and Riane Eisler [2]

A few hints on the main differences :

  • Women are genetically spiritual [3]. They have a more direct connection with the inner self, including others. They have a subtler intuition, deeper listening skills , but also a finer sensitivity that can turn into weakness .
  • Women’s approach is not linear, but circular and adroit at change [4]. They manage change more easily , crises do not scare them, evolution is their humus. But, they may be less focused on goals .
  • Psychologists say that women are more inclined to an autoplastic-like adaptation (changing oneself ) and men to an alloplastic one ( changing the outer reality) . It means women are more introspective and more inclined to listening and cooperation. This leads to a more productive and effective business environment.
  • Yogi Bhajan said that women are naturally multitasking, unlike men. This is an advantage, but also a trap that makes inner connection more difficult.
  • Women are more emotional and physical, men are more mental. Emotions are their playground (4). They can handle them easily , but when they try to control them through their mind like men do, they may become unstable.
  • Yogi Bhajan also said that women are much more intuitive, intelligent, patient and compassionate, but more insecure than men. We have a tendency to belittle. This is our main weakness. The antidote? Spiritual connection.

So, your realization as a woman and as a leader is on hand if you:

  • Build your personal model of female leadership without taking a loan on the male model, even if it is paradoxically more familiar to you. Take inspiration from a wonderful example of Italian entrepreneur, Luisa Spagnoli, as recounted in a recent television fiction. Read a lot of Danielle Laporte’s books.
  • Dedicate enough time and space to nurturing your spiritual life: you will gain self-assurance. We will work on that during CFMT workshops on women’s leadership.

Alessia Tanzi

[1] Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa, Kundalini Yoga. The Flow of Eternal Power, 2013

[2] Riane Eisler, The Chalice and the Blade: Our History, Our Future , 2006

[3] Heide Goettner-Abendroth, Matriarchal Societies, 2013; Yogi Bhajan, various sources;

[4] Guru Rattana, Radiance and Victory, A Woman’s Way to Prosperity, 1996; www.yogatech.com