All change: women become the management model

Yet another traditional business practice seems to be falling away rapidly. Following an extensive survey of middle and senior level executives, Management Today magazine has concluded women out-perform men on a series of key variables.

Editor Rufus Olins summed up the results: "In the past, women who aspired to management were encouraged to be more manly. It looks now as if the boot is on the other foot. If men want to be successful at work, they must behave more like women."

Women managers are rated more open-minded and considerate. They are generally better at dealing with customers, in addition to being more efficient, more generous and more trustworthy.

"Businesses need to wake up to the fact that so-called feminine skills are vital for attracting and keeping the right people," Olins said.

Elliott Chase