When women lead

In participative management, it is the leader's role to involve employees and to create situations that contribute to positive feelings among employees about work. These techniques are based on the premise that individuals perform best when they feel good about themselves and their work. Women are more likely than men to motivate employees to turn self-interest into the goals of the organization. "Feminine" management characteristics include encouraging participation, sharing power and information, promoting selfworth of others, and energizing others. The feminine leadership style is especially relevant to and useful in nursing because it is a high-stress occupation. An interactive approach provides the necessary support that employees and colleagues need to survive in high-stress environments.