Modern feminist theory proposes that women lead differently than men. Some feminist writings can be characterized as promoting a “feminine advantage” with the belief that women have the attributes and skills necessary for more effective leadership. These skills and attributes include a more interactional leadership style, the ability to build consensus, a tendency to empower others, and a greater ability to nurture others (see, for example, Helgesen, 1990; Rosener, 1990). In a classic study that is representative of this body of work, Rosener (1990) examined the leadership styles of women in medium-sized, nontraditional organizations. Her interview data demonstrate that women and men describe their leadership and influence styles very differently. According to Rosener, senior female managers are able to successfully ascend the corporate hierarchy not by adopting the style and habits that have proved successful for men, but by drawing on the skills and attitudes they have developed through their shared experiences as women. They are succeeding because of---not in spite of---certain characteristics generally considered to be “feminine” and inappropriate in leaders (pp. 119-120). She went on to argue that women’s styles evolve naturally from feminine attributes and center around four themes: consensus building/power sharing, conflict management, supportive climate, and commitment to diversity.