A frequently asked question about female leadership is: is there such a thing as typical female leadership? Our research and experience has taught us that there are two possible answers to this question, “yes” and “no”. The question itself is relevant enough to explore and we will do so in this chapter. Diversity, based on gender or other aspects, has proven to lead to more inclusive and more productive organisations. Bo... A frequently asked question about female leadership is: is there such a thing as typical female leadership? Our research and experience has taught us that there are two possible answers to this question, “yes” and “no”. The question itself is relevant enough to explore and we will do so in this chapter. Diversity, based on gender or other aspects, has proven to lead to more inclusive and more productive organisations. Both men and women benefit from seeing all genders represented in senior leadership roles, so they might mirror themselves and their leadership styles to a variety of example behavior. Show More

This is the first phase in the Double Healix model. In this phase you are preparing for your journey. The history you carry, as an individual, as part of your family, as a female or male, and as homo sapiens, shapes how you will respond to what is to come. The competencies that are particularly important in this phase relate to this subconscious preparation: your ability to trust and give in to the process, your intuitio... This is the first phase in the Double Healix model. In this phase you are preparing for your journey. The history you carry, as an individual, as part of your family, as a female or male, and as homo sapiens, shapes how you will respond to what is to come. The competencies that are particularly important in this phase relate to this subconscious preparation: your ability to trust and give in to the process, your intuition, your dream power, flexibility, the quality of your relationship network, historical awareness and your attunement to trends and cycles. Show More

This is the second phase in the Double Healix model: the phase in which you receive your main impetus for adventure. This Call can come from within or without, can be a pleasant or an unpleasant one. It demarcates a point of no return in our journey, even though it will often be followed by a period of resistance or procrastination. This phase addresses competences that relate to initiating or mobilising processes: takin... This is the second phase in the Double Healix model: the phase in which you receive your main impetus for adventure. This Call can come from within or without, can be a pleasant or an unpleasant one. It demarcates a point of no return in our journey, even though it will often be followed by a period of resistance or procrastination. This phase addresses competences that relate to initiating or mobilising processes: taking initiative, taking up one’s space, taking responsibility, taking action, setting the tone, being proactive, competitiveness, the ability to confront. For a long time these competences were not expected from women outside the home. They were often attributed to men. Women are catching up in the workplace. That is why the competence paragraph starts with a clip about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. What can we learn from her in this regard? Show More

The next phase after Call to Adventure is Resistance to Change. This ‘resistance’ can either come from an outside source (“you will never succeed at that”, “we will not allow you to do that”) or from internal voices (“I cannot do this”, “I am not ready for this”). Women are often very familiar with both types of resistance. What can be said about the impostor syndrome? And what do people need to be able to overcome? C... The next phase after Call to Adventure is Resistance to Change. This ‘resistance’ can either come from an outside source (“you will never succeed at that”, “we will not allow you to do that”) or from internal voices (“I cannot do this”, “I am not ready for this”). Women are often very familiar with both types of resistance. What can be said about the impostor syndrome? And what do people need to be able to overcome? Competencies that go with the Resistance to Change phase include perseverance, resilience, vitality, positivity, will power, optimism and work ethic. Leadership in this phase also means creating a good work atmosphere, harmony, synergy and constructive group norms. Show More

This is the fourth phase in the Double Healix. The Mentor phase introduces a new way of thinking. The Mentor is often an experienced person who teaches you new skills, helps you reflect and find different perspectives on yourself. These skills and perspectives will help you pass the Selection Threshold in the next phase, phase 5. The Mentor can also be a role inside yourself, when you get new ideas and explore new ways of... This is the fourth phase in the Double Healix. The Mentor phase introduces a new way of thinking. The Mentor is often an experienced person who teaches you new skills, helps you reflect and find different perspectives on yourself. These skills and perspectives will help you pass the Selection Threshold in the next phase, phase 5. The Mentor can also be a role inside yourself, when you get new ideas and explore new ways of looking at the world. The Leadership competencies needed in the Mentor phase are: curiosity, eagerness to learn, interest in new and different perspectives, sense of humour, creativity, playfulness, divergent thinking, associating, looking at reality from different angles and the ability to look at oneself and the world with new eyes. One of the finest examples of good use of humour and extending perspectives in politics was given by the first female party leader in England, Margaret Thatcher. Take a look at how she is able to win over an entire audience with a simple yet bold gesture. Show More

In the Double Healix model the Selection Threshold is the phase in which you need to deliver measurable results. The Threshold can refer to passing an actual test or meeting an important deadline. Often the test provides access to a new world that offers something you have been aiming to achieve since the Call to Adventure. It requires you to adapt to the status quo of that new world. That status quo is typically guarded... In the Double Healix model the Selection Threshold is the phase in which you need to deliver measurable results. The Threshold can refer to passing an actual test or meeting an important deadline. Often the test provides access to a new world that offers something you have been aiming to achieve since the Call to Adventure. It requires you to adapt to the status quo of that new world. That status quo is typically guarded heavily by the incumbents in power roles, in visible or invisible ways, like the proverbial glass ceiling. The competencies that are needed in the Selection Threshold phase are: ambition, self-preservation and willingness to make sacrifices (often the kind that alienates us from ourselves, in order to be able to adapt), hierarchical thinking, alignment, rational thinking, result orientation, prioritization skills, pragmatism, picking your battles. Some women - and also men - experience a dilemma when stepping into a powerful role. At one hand they aspire to truly take part in the leadership of an organisation, at the other hand they hesitate about getting caught up in the power games of organisational politics. Show More

This is the sixth phase in the Double Healix model, Star for a Day. After passing the Selection Threshold, we have reason to be proud of ourselves and our team. In this phase, we celebrate our success, receive the first recognition for our efforts, and are the center of attention. The competences that you address or develop here are: celebrating success, expressiveness, charm, charisma, visibility, self-confidence, pers... This is the sixth phase in the Double Healix model, Star for a Day. After passing the Selection Threshold, we have reason to be proud of ourselves and our team. In this phase, we celebrate our success, receive the first recognition for our efforts, and are the center of attention. The competences that you address or develop here are: celebrating success, expressiveness, charm, charisma, visibility, self-confidence, personal branding, passion, enthusiasm, and the ability to motivate others. Do you think that women are good at celebrating successes? If not, watch them grow. Show More

This is the seventh phase in the Double Healix model: Grounding. After celebrating the first success, it is important to get back to normal, and stay level-headed, keeping both feet on the ground. In this phase, the intuitive, spontaneous, and creative processes from the previous phases need to be formalised. This formalising provides us with guidance to new successes, and prepares you and your organisation for difficult... This is the seventh phase in the Double Healix model: Grounding. After celebrating the first success, it is important to get back to normal, and stay level-headed, keeping both feet on the ground. In this phase, the intuitive, spontaneous, and creative processes from the previous phases need to be formalised. This formalising provides us with guidance to new successes, and prepares you and your organisation for difficult times. The competences that are most important in this phase are: carefulness, quality control, self-control, level-headedness, planning, organising, formalising, dependability, sticking to agreements, having an eye for detail, aesthetics. Women are often very good at formalising and budgeting. They generally bluff less, take fewer risks, and are more cautious. Show More

This is the eighth phase in the Double Healix: just like the Call is the announcement of the beginning of the journey (see phase 2), the Reversal of Fortune is the announcement of the last phases of the adventure. This time, the Call comes in the form of a serious setback, that plunges you into a crisis. You have to learn to endure, wait, and show solidarity with your buddies and fellow sufferers. Competences required in... This is the eighth phase in the Double Healix: just like the Call is the announcement of the beginning of the journey (see phase 2), the Reversal of Fortune is the announcement of the last phases of the adventure. This time, the Call comes in the form of a serious setback, that plunges you into a crisis. You have to learn to endure, wait, and show solidarity with your buddies and fellow sufferers. Competences required in this phase are: patience, enduring powerlessness, listening skills, solidarity, diplomacy, inquisitiveness, asking for help, communicating as equals, empathy, and acting on the power of vulnerability. Overall, women seem to be good at many competences in this field. And these competences are of extra importance at the present time. We start this chapter with a clip on Jacinda Ardern who shows us why empathy and inclusiveness are needed badly. Show More

This is the ninth phase in the Double Healix model, the Dagger. The crisis deepens and you gain more insight into the dark side of human nature. The Dagger stands for betrayal, lies, failure to keep promises, and breaking taboos. At the same time, the most painful discoveries can also lead to the most informative and valuable experiences. Competences that you develop further in the Dagger phase are: analytical skills, de... This is the ninth phase in the Double Healix model, the Dagger. The crisis deepens and you gain more insight into the dark side of human nature. The Dagger stands for betrayal, lies, failure to keep promises, and breaking taboos. At the same time, the most painful discoveries can also lead to the most informative and valuable experiences. Competences that you develop further in the Dagger phase are: analytical skills, deep self-knowledge, knowing your own shadow, emotional intelligence, realism, skepticism, being able to put your finger on the sore spot, being critical, recognising and acting on urgency, and being able to make radical and painful decisions. During the corona crisis (2020), some observers commented that countries with a female leader seemed to handle the crisis better (Volkskrant, April 23, 2020). Although we need to be very cautious about drawing these kinds of conclusions, it is important to look into the leadership qualities that help an organisation, a country, and the world navigate through a crisis like this. And learn from it. Show More

This is the tenth phase in the Double Healix model, Return to the Light. You find a way out of the crisis by rediscovering your own core direction in life. Within the journey, this is also often called "Return of the Mentor” where you remember the main lessons of your biggest teacher. This helps you to clearly remember your deepest ideals and goals. The competences that are needed and strengthened in this phase are: the... This is the tenth phase in the Double Healix model, Return to the Light. You find a way out of the crisis by rediscovering your own core direction in life. Within the journey, this is also often called "Return of the Mentor” where you remember the main lessons of your biggest teacher. This helps you to clearly remember your deepest ideals and goals. The competences that are needed and strengthened in this phase are: the ability to focus and concentrate, to create a sense of meaning and purpose, to be idealistic, to develop a vision and proclaim it to others, to provide direction and hope, to look to the future and set goals, and work towards these goals systematically. These are competences that are badly needed in a time of local ánd worldwide transition. After a crisis or adversity, what gives you hope and direction? Show More

This is the eleventh phase in the Double Healix model, Resurrection. In your journey, this is the last major barrier to take. The opposing phase, phase 5, is about ambition and results. In phase 11, it's about how we can save our soul. This usually concerns the question of whether we have the courage to stand for what we really value, and who we really want to be. An act of heroism often involves making a sacrifice for s... This is the eleventh phase in the Double Healix model, Resurrection. In your journey, this is the last major barrier to take. The opposing phase, phase 5, is about ambition and results. In phase 11, it's about how we can save our soul. This usually concerns the question of whether we have the courage to stand for what we really value, and who we really want to be. An act of heroism often involves making a sacrifice for something greater than ourselves. This phase is called in full: "Death and Resurrection" because in stories, the heroine undergoes a transformation that feels like a rebirth. Dramatic, fatal twists involve literal death and a symbolic resurrection. The competences you need in this phase are: courage, independent thinking, standing for what you believe in, integrity, resistance to manipulation and blackmail, willingness to make a sacrifice for your principles, conscience, long-term thinking and acting, and transformational power. After a long period of patriarchy, it is time for a (further) restoration of respect for women, for a circular economy and for the limits of Mother Earth. What role do you see for yourself in determining the face of the future? Show More

This is the twelfth and last phase in the Double Healix model, the Elixir. After the profound transformation in the previous phase, you can reap the benefits of your journey and distribute them in the larger community. Often it's not about what you do, but about the radiance of purification, gentleness, and being relatively free of fear to do what is important. The competences that you need in this phase are: helpfulness... This is the twelfth and last phase in the Double Healix model, the Elixir. After the profound transformation in the previous phase, you can reap the benefits of your journey and distribute them in the larger community. Often it's not about what you do, but about the radiance of purification, gentleness, and being relatively free of fear to do what is important. The competences that you need in this phase are: helpfulness, making meaningful contributions, active compassion (while retaining your own ego boundaries), humility and letting others shine, generosity, gratitude, and forgiveness. In this last phase all competences that you have learned in previous phases, come together in the competency of serving others and serving the greater good. For many women helping, serving and showing compassion are familiar competences. The key aspect of servant leadership is the ability to also take good care of yourself, have ego-confidence, exercise reflection-in-action, be able to exercise constructive destruction, exert playful idealism and have meaningful successes. Show More

We have now gone through the 12 phases of the Double Healix model for all-round leadership development, and illustrated and discussed the competences that are important in each phase. This model will help you recognise which competences you can develop further, and when it would be better to employ someone else who has the qualities that are needed in a particular phase. Hopefully, the many examples from movies, question... We have now gone through the 12 phases of the Double Healix model for all-round leadership development, and illustrated and discussed the competences that are important in each phase. This model will help you recognise which competences you can develop further, and when it would be better to employ someone else who has the qualities that are needed in a particular phase. Hopefully, the many examples from movies, questions and exercises have helped you develop your own all-round leadership, and have supported you to balance opposing competences. In the following chapter, we will analyse the 12 phases of the Double Healix model as seen in the leadership journey of German Chancellor Angela Merkel till 2019. Show More

In this chapter, we will explore the journey Angela Merkel has made, from her childhood to 2019. It is a journey of female leadership from which we can learn a lot. We will follow the phases of the Double Healix model chronologically, and for each phase we will discuss the competences that Angela Merkel shows us, and has shown us throughout the years. Her journey corresponds with the Double Healix cycle discussed before.... In this chapter, we will explore the journey Angela Merkel has made, from her childhood to 2019. It is a journey of female leadership from which we can learn a lot. We will follow the phases of the Double Healix model chronologically, and for each phase we will discuss the competences that Angela Merkel shows us, and has shown us throughout the years. Her journey corresponds with the Double Healix cycle discussed before. Whatever opinions we may have about Merkel's political policy, her career is extraordinary. In 2005, at the age of 51, she became Germany's first female and youngest chancellor ever. Merkel has been a powerful leader on a global stage. How did her journey progress? And what made her so strong that she managed to stay in power for so long? She showed no signs of pride and seemed to get stronger with every crisis... The analysis we offer ends in the year 2019. We did not include Merkel's and Germany's ongoing policy during the corona crisis starting in 2020. This is likely to shed a different light on Merkel's leadership and her domestic and foreign policy. Show More

After the explanation of the 12 phases in the circle of leadership development, and the many examples of Female Leaders, we have come to the end of this course. After the explanation of the 12 phases in the circle of leadership development, and the many examples of Female Leaders, we have come to the end of this course.