In my many years as a business woman working alongside men, I have observed their behaviors and realized there are a few things they do that women inherently don’t — but should.
1. Limited intimacy
Men in business are very polite when it comes to introductions and small talk — but it stops there. You won’t see a serious business man huddled in the corner of a function or in a meeting having a deep discussion about life and family unless he is very close to the person. Their discussion will quickly lead to a question about business…
2. Careful with their time
It is said men can’t multitask, and instead they are extremely focused on one thing at a time. This focus means they are very strict with their time. Most men have an assistant because they know it is more valuable for admin to be done by someone else. They also avoid irrelevant coffee dates and lunch meetings unless it is serving a direct purpose. They take themselves seriously and therefore others will too.
3. Always thinking about the bottom line
In every single discussion a business man has, he is thinking about his bottom line. He isn’t distracted by bright ideas and opportunities that are not going to make him a profit or deliver on his goals for the year. So each discussion he has will eventually flow down the path of what it is he needs. You may think this is selfish, but you must keep in mind this is business. If they can’t get what they want, they will leave the discussion altogether.
4. Always know what they need
Men in business know what they need and they do what they need in order to get it. Without feeling guilty. If they need to work late so be it. If they need to let go of staff, then that is what happens. This doesn’t mean they are heartless, it means they are business-minded and focused on delivering.
The above points don’t mean that men are without compassion — there are many business men who are experts in these areas and at the same time have a heart of gold.
It just means they mean business. So should we.
