Kawasaki’s take is that women are better at objectively judging business models because men are “genetically flawed” in that they’re predisposed to approve any idea that would compete with a product or service due to an inclination to “kill things.”
I hear what he’s saying but you could just as easily flip this assertion around to say that because women lack this instinct to kill (something that’s hugely debatable in and of itself), this makes them not neutral judges, but actually puts them at another extreme – they may overlook a great idea simply in order to avoid conflict or other unpleasant repercussions of competition. This is definitely more a vague theory than anything close to being a fact -- if Kawasaki is in fact serious. Sweeping assertions like the one very rarely end up being grounded in reality.

I would have to say that neither women or men have an advantage in the "common" business model. Now of course certain segments in various industries a man might have an advantage and a woman in another. It depends...to come to a conclusion based solely on gender is an unnecessary obstacle to apply to ones self.

Mark Salinas, MN

I would have to say that neither women or men have an advantage in the "common" business model. Now of course certain segments in various industries a man might have an advantage and a woman in another. It depends...to come to a conclusion based solely on gender is an unnecessary obstacle to apply to ones self.

Mark Salinas, MN

Humanity can be viewed as a bird, with men representing one wing and women the other. Harmonious flight requires equal development of both wings. Similarly in organizations, those that encourage the development and inclusion of such qualities characteristic of women as developing relationships, teamwork, caring, compassion, intuition and sensitivity are moving closer to the new paradigm of management practices needed to compete on quality, service and timeliness. Diversity of gender as well as of race and ethnicity enhances a creative environment and brings new ways of thinking to companies as well as individuals. Since enterprises in developed countries rely on innovation for survival, it is crucial for them to harness human potential. Fostering the growth and development of women by welcoming their special capabilities and recognizing their contributions will thus enhance a company's prosperity.

The key point is that a true partnership of women and men leaders, and the blending of feminine and masculine values, will enhance competitiveness and prosperity.

I don't think gender predisposes anyone on business. It takes education, intelligence, and experience to judge business models and ideas. Gender may inhibit or aide a person to achieving these qualities, but I don't think its an instinct one can be born with.

Guy makes an interesting point. Avoid the one dimensional pov, beware testosterone laden bravado.

This is an excellent brain juice quote for the cerebrum. The glass ceiling I envisage will slowly transform into a transparent wall, and it is we men are going to be so much better off taking a moment to reflect from a humbler horizontal position. An ancient masculine view of organization serves us less and less, as competitive advantage merges with collaborative advantage. For some it will be painful to renew themselves with this reality check, especially if hierarchy is all that they have ever known. It's walls that are the new breakthrough point, not ceilings, and women themselves need to equally reorientate themselves rather than bleat on like HR people sometimes do about "not getting a seat at the table". The business world we live in will eventually be less about seats and its resulting ingenuity wasted away by work politics, and slowly, and ever so slowly, a little bit more about turning the tables on effective decision making. This is a different mindset where ones world starts operating from the head up and where respect comes from the imminent use of brains, not ones hormonal views of bodies or corporate positions. How we become smart about our diverse brain sets is what makes this particular "Big Idea" excellent, otherwise, if we are still unable to think this way, then it is simply a continuation of our own cluelessness in regards to what Kawasaki expressed here; and that IMHO can't last long in any market where brains must be connected with bodies to win, and bodies can no longer be disconnected from brains in ones work......M.

I check for a reading on my strange-o-meter, but find that it has exploded. Is this 2008? Do we still entertain sweeping idiocies like this? Perhaps now that gender discrimination laws have begun to catch up with our aspirations as a species, we could move away from cretinous generalizations. Only a suggestion, but maybe it's worth a go...

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SINCERE IGNORANCE AND CONSCIENTIOUS STUPIDITY
http://blog.myspace.com/CAUGHTNOTTAUGHT

Obviously, whoever said this has forgotten about - perhaps never heard of - Lilith, who is part of every woman. And definitely hasn't read recent headlines about women who have killed..
When her children make her happy, Lilith feeds them and treats them very well. But when they make her angry, she eats them. Nuff said.