What does this have to do with leadership? Why is this important for both men and women? I think the answers will be obvious as you read the article. Note: Please be sure to scroll down to the bottom and check out the interesting and insightful comments.
Author Unknown If anyone knows the original author, please let me know. Not bad looking, the way a lot of healthy American men are. Reasonably successful. In fact, you probably know and like him. He may not admit it β he may not even know it β and you might not even care. Only his problem could easily become your problem. But to whom does he talk about himself β discuss problems, admit fears, share concerns, reveal failures?
Who does he ask for help and where does he let down his defenses. Probably nowhere and with no one. In our society, except to shake hands, men are not even allowed to touch each other.
With most men, unfortunately, these definitions of friendship rarely apply. And even more rarely do they recognize the gaping voids in their emotional lives. British sociologist Marion Crawford found that middle-aged men and women had considerably different definitions of friendship.
Men even use the term friend far more casually suggests Elam Nunnally, co-developer of a Minnesota couples program. Or perhaps they plan tennis together, occasionally. At least not by the definition of most women. Why the differences? Conditioning of course. And the specter of homosexuality. If those early friendships do not continue, then I think new ones are very threatening for an adult male to establish in later life.
