Effective leadership in the modern workplace demands strategic acumen, operational efficiency and a nuanced understanding of interpersonal dynamics, particularly across genders.

This critical area was a key focus at the recently concluded 15th annual Middle Managers’ Leadership Conference (MMC).

The comprehensive conference agenda covered a range of skills crucial for navigating today’s complex business environment, including crisis and reputation management, financial interpretation and making dreaded decisions. However, one session stood out for its direct engagement with the evolving nature of professional relationships: a concurrent panel held on the second day, specifically designed for male participants.

This dedicated men’s panel tackled the pertinent question, ‘How Should I Lead, Engage & Relate To the Opposite Sex While Maintaining Professionalism?’

The session provided a crucial forum for male managers to gain insights from experienced leaders on fostering respectful, productive, and professional interactions with their female colleagues in an increasingly diverse workplace.

The men’s panel featured a venerable group of Jamaican leaders: Everton Anderson, CEO of National Health Fund; Harold Davis, acting CEO of Jamaica Business Development Corporation; Andrew Pairman, CEO of Intelligent Multimedia/Anbell; and Ricardo Brooks, broadcast journalist of Nationwide News Network.

These panellists drew from their diverse professional backgrounds to offer practical and insightful guidance.

 Everton Anderson initiated the discussion with a compelling personal perspective, identifying himself as a “grateful product of female leadership,” noting that his first two bosses were women and that 80 per cent of the staff at the NHF are female.

He highlighted the undeniable value that women bring to the table, acknowledging that their diverse viewpoints significantly enhance decision-making and innovation within organisations. Anderson encouraged the male managers to consistently act with fairness and to “engage with emotional intelligence,” to maintain appropriate boundaries.

Harold Davis encouraged the men to build their leadership on a foundation of respect and equality. He stressed the importance of understanding individuals’ unique boundaries, backgrounds, and communication styles, urging proactive efforts to disarm stereotypes intentionally.

Davis provided clear, actionable advice: “Ask questions and avoid assumptions in interactions to build a culture of respect and psychological safety.”

Andrew Pairman offered insights rooted in the practicalities of daily interactions, particularly within the Caribbean context. He encouraged male professionals to be warm and collaborative but always maintain clear boundaries, emphasising that “being professional does not mean being cold”.

He said: “Practice to hold everyone accountable while watching your presence, that is, your tone, body language and how you use up physical space around women. And speak up when lines are crossed.”

 Staged at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston, MMC is renowned for bringing together top CEOs, government officials, and industry experts to provide invaluable counsel and mentorship to the region’s vital pool of middle managers.

Convened by Dr. Jacqueline Coke-Lloyd, managing director of the Make Your Mark Group, the MMC solidified its standing as a vital catalyst for professional growth in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. By addressing essential interpersonal skills, including the critical area of gender dynamics from both male and female perspectives through dedicated sessions, the MMC empowered managers with the leadership competencies necessary to drive organisational success.