In an already stressed environment and highly pressured, toxic femininity impacts women’s mental health.
author Dalia Feldheim has conducted extensive research into toxic femininity and has helped companies like Procter & Gamble develop sound policies to prevent it. However, Fedlheim believes that the only answer is zero tolerance and has identified these three steps companies can take to move in that direction:
Enforce leadership assessment tools. The only people who can determine good leaders are direct reports, so give them a voice by relying heavily on these tools. Assess and promote leaders as much for their people skills as for their business skills, only promoting those who have top ratings in both areas.From something as simple as providing feedback on a project to formally serving as another woman’s manager, control is being exercised. It’s important to remember that this position of power is a privilege. Ultimately, toxic positivity and Queen Bee syndrome can only be exuded when a womanput in that privileged position.