While Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg used US podcaster Josh Rogan's platform to call for more masculine energy in the workplace, our planet was literally on fire, thanks in part to the ego-driven thinking popularised through toxic masculinity.
When you Google the most powerful CEOs, Zuckerberg’s name is often accompanied by Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. It’s no coincidence that each of them was present during Donald Trump’s second inauguration and subsequently have announced the dismantling of ESG and DEI initiatives across their companies.
These powerful men are standing by while our planet is faced with existential crises surrounding climate change, extreme economic disparity and global conflicts that have all arisen under a corporate climate forged under toxic masculine energy qualities like unfettered ambition and a winner-takes-all mentality.
Read more: Union urges Meta to reassure LGBTQ+ staff following policy changes
Let’s talk about ‘feminine energy’
Feminine energy or feminine power is often regarded as the display of 'emotional' qualities, such as consideration, intuition, kindness and sensitivity. In a corporate environment, this often translates into initiatives like work/life balance, more opportunities for underserved communities, teamwork over individualism and, importantly, working with a purpose to drive change.
On the other end of the stereotypical spectrum, masculine workplaces can be seen to pit employees against each other, and foster winner-takes-all mentalities that are not conducive to teamwork or working towards a common goal or purpose, all while putting the individual above all else. They’re characterised by unrelenting personal ambition.
Yet, wanting to win is not a bad thing.
Did we build a multimillion-dollar fintech corporation as two women by focusing only on being kind, sensitive and wanting everyone to have fun? Of course not.
Create the right culture
We want to be the best at what we do, and we want to beat the competition. But to do that, it’s essential to foster work environments that celebrate both ends of the ‘energy spectrum’ while staying far away from each one’s toxic elements.
We believe in fostering a winning mindset and culture through teamwork, constructive criticism, innovation and creativity. But one thing is for certain – our workplace is certainly not a cuddly perfect bubble of stereotypical femininity.
Read more: How to stop toxic leaders' impact on culture
We balance both ends of the energy spectrum by creating a space where everyone has the opportunity to be great, but where we’re also not going to handhold your way to greatness. Anybody can be at the table, but they have to earn it. We’re purposeful about ensuring a level playing field and having a place for diversity, equity and inclusion in our decision-making.
Purpose-driven businesses
Too many leaders waive their duty to do better, for example by championing ESG initiatives, because “it’s not a business priority”.
Zuck might call doing what’s right in favour of quick profits a feminine quality. But it’s not. It’s a human quality that anyone can exhibit. Making these decisions can actually empower your employees, and help you find incredible business partners who believe in the same business ethos as you.
So no, we don’t need more masculine energy.
And no, we don’t need more feminine energy.
What we really need is more people willing to step up and create change in our world, by taking the best of both ends of the energy spectrum.
By Monika Liikamaa, co-CEO of payment provider business Enfuce
