However,
research has found that, in general, women prefer less competitive
environments than men, tend to be more collaborative, and are
more concerned with relationship building, inclusiveness, participation,
and caring.55 Female leaders such as Deborah Kent, the fi rst
woman to head a vehicle assembly plant for Ford Motor Co., or
erry Kelly, CEO of W.L. Gore & Associates, are often more willing
share power and information, to encourage employee development,
d to strive to enhance others’ feelings of self-worth. “It does no good
have a diverse workforce if you don’t listen to their opinions and
thoughts,” says Kent. “I treat people the way I want to be treated.”5