[originaltext]M: Is there no place for emotion in a workplace?W: No, we don’t

M: Is there no place for emotion in a workplace?
W: No, we don’t think there is. I mean we think that you can be yourself, which is kind and supportive, warm and giving, but not crying, screaming, or beating people. (6) Traditionally in business, showing your emotions is a sign of weakness—it can also be perceived as a very female trait—don’t let your guard down. Women are often guilty of letting work get under their skin—taking business personally—and reacting emotionally in front of your colleagues is never a good idea.
M: So, just imagine, if I were a woman boss, if I were going to get emotional, what should I do?
W: That’s easy. Just relax your shoulders, take a deep breath, listen to what they have to say and let your composure soften the blow. If you look physically shaken up by any conversation, it can be used against you or seen as a sign of weakness.
M: OK, let’s talk about some more practical advice. (7-1) Caitlin, what do you think is the number one rule of good leadership for a woman boss?
W: (7-2) Well, the number one rule of good leadership is fairness or put another way, acting free from self-interest, prejudice, or favoritism. Good leaders, just like good teachers, don’t offer preferential treatment to any of their subordinates. As a woman, it’s likely you will have more in common with your female team members, however, if you let this kind of partiality cloud your professional judgment, you will fail to gain the respect of your male employees. Treat everyone equally and with respect, in time it’s likely they’ll return the favor.
M: Right. (8-1) And what is the proper way for women bosses to deal with criticism when the male employees fail to do their duties?
W: (8-2) Giving honest and constructive criticism. If you shy away from critiquing your male underlings, not only are you preventing them from developing personally and professionally, but you’re also giving them ammunition to question your ability as a leader. This goes back to equality and fairness—treat everyone equally and don’t be afraid to provide criticism and direction when it’s required. Likewise, praise good work and reward employees when they go above and beyond the call of duty.
M: Any other advice on what a woman boss should avoid doing?
W: (9) Women bosses should avoid talk of overtly "female" topics if they want to be taken seriously by their male subordinates. I’m not suggesting that you begin dropping fast cars and beer into conversation either. Instead, focus on what needs to be achieved from a business point-of-view— discuss how things can be improved, ask them for their suggestions as well as sharing your own and inquire about their career aspirations. (10) By keeping the conversation businesslike, your male team members will see you as a leader.
M: OK, Caitlin, thank you very much for staying with us today.
W: My pleasure.
This is the end of Part Two of the interview. Questions 6 to 10 are based on what you have just heard.
6. What is Caitlin’s attitude towards reacting emotionally in a workplace?
7. What is the number one rule of good leadership for a woman boss?
8. What should a woman boss do when the male employees fail to do their duties?
9. What kind of topics should a woman boss avoid?
10. What should a woman boss do to make her male team members see her as a leader?