„As a business coach, do you prefer to work with men or with women?“ This is what I was asked recently. And it got me thinking…

No. 1: Is working with men vs. with women actually that different?

Let’s face it: As a women, I’m more frequently approached by women than by men. Women seem to feel safer with a female coach, and many of my female clients have learnt that they can’t appear as 'weak‘, so many wouldn’t open up with a male coach. But when they do open up, it’s a firework of energy, it's wholesome, insightful, empowering - and oftentimes very emotional. Women easily accept the 'hypno‘ part of my repertoire and benefit from a fully immersive approach.

Female clients typically want to sort out team dynamics. And the most qualified, amazing women seek advice to address an imposter syndrom.

Men come to me for different reasons. They feel isolated in a leadership role, or misunderstood when trying to convey their ideas. They’re mostly completely clear about goals and KPI’s, but don’t understand why they lose people on the way. They lack a sparring partner when there is a need to reflect on difficult decisions and assess the repercussions in the business. Men usually show more self-confidence and use me to reclaim some breathing space.

No. 2: How do men and women benefit from my coaching?

In a nutshell (and of course not everyone is the same), I would say: Women learn to acquire power mechanisms, which helps them to stand their ground and preserve their energy. And men learn to navigate emotional dynamics, and the power of communication, so they can minimise the cost of change.

It seems to be a general assumption that women, somehow, need coaching more. Well, I think it’s actually the opposite: Women are more open to receive coaching, because sharing is how they process things. And men might even benefit a little more, when they manage to strengthen the human aspects of leadership that many have never been trained in, and which helps them to stay healthy and more connected.

So, what’s my stance?

People who are given space to reflect and learn about themselves, how they communicate and act, will be better leaders. Therefore, by supporting people in leadership positions, I can support better leadership, as well as healthier working environments and functional teams.

I love to facilitate understanding. And I love to see people grow. So I wouldn’t want to work with just women or just men. By supporting both women and men to be fluent in organizational (and human!) dynamics, I can help businesses move forward.