When Women Lead

When employees at my parents' small business want to talk about their job responsibilities, they go to my dad. When they want to ask for a day off or vent about a difficult client, they go to my mom. It's long been said that men and women manage differently in the workplace, and in my parents' small corner of the business world, there's proof that neither way is better--or worse. In fact, my mom and dad think their blended style is what keeps employees happy and turnover low. They get the best of both.

This post from today's Wall Street Journal blog Independent Street argues that a feminine management style is more effective because it emphasizes sensitivity to employees and openness. But what about the fear of being a pushover? To me, the bottom line is that whether you're a man or woman business owner, finding that perfect leadership balance is an everyday challenge.