Lisa DeFrank-Cole* says the need to project warmth and compassion while also appearing competent presents a double bind for women running for office.
Elizabeth Warren: “Can I defend Senator Klobuchar for a minute? Look, you want to ask about whether or not you understand trade policy with Mexico? Have at it. If you get it wrong, you ought to be held accountable … Let’s be clear: Missing a name all by itself does not indicate that you do not understand what is going on.”
In an era of political leaders bullying those with whom they disagree, it is refreshing to see one stand up for a competitor.
Six Democratic candidates for the US Presidency met on the debate stage in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 19 February.
Even though Elizabeth Warren attacked Amy Klobuchar’s healthcare policy in the debate by saying it could fit on a “post-it note”, she stood up for her colleague during another exchange, when Klobuchar was weathering criticism that she hadn’t remembered the name of Mexico’s President.
Warren’s dual role of critic and defender in the debate reflects a challenge every woman leader faces.
Though a recent Gallup Poll found most Americans say they would vote for a woman for President, it is still not a sure thing.
Society still expects women to be nurturing and helpful, not argumentative or decisive.
Men, on the other hand, can be tough and strong with little or no regard for kindness.
It is hard for a woman leader to be seen as both likeable and competent at the same time.
This double bind makes it a challenge for women on the campaign trail like Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar.
They need to project warmth and compassion while also demonstrating the ability to get the job done.
Their task is difficult: Be smart, but not arrogant.
Be kind, but not weak.
Be feminine, but not emotional.
In addition, it’s dangerous to focus on being a woman and to seek sympathy for having a harder time than your male competitors.
By attacking one of Klobuchar’s policies, and then within the same debate coming back to defend her fellow Senator, Warren is projecting warmth and compassion.
This is the dance that women leaders do every day: Take two steps toward strength and one step back to show kindness.
It’s a dizzying manoeuvre to master.
* Lisa DeFrank-Cole is Professor of Leadership Studies at West Virginia University. She tweets at @LisaDeFrankCole.
This article first appeared at theconversation.com.
