Blog &Samhoud People

Is it true what they say about men and women? By Freek Grootenboer

A global research has been conducted on ‘connection’. In 14 counties ‘&intoconnection’ researched what it means to people to be strongly or weakly connected. This research proves a.o. that connection has a positive influence on the lives of people. 

If we look at the figures and ask if women are better connected than men, we can safely say: “Yes, a little”. In most countries women are a little bit better connected than their male companions. Closer studies show that men are slightly better connected with themselves: especially when they are young they seem to know better what they want in life and how they can get it. However, it seems that for women, wisdom comes with age. By the time they reach their 40’s, they have taken over the men and score about the same on these topics. 

So far, these results seem to match our prejudiced stereotyping of men and women. Men – especially the young and ambitious ones – are mainly focused on themselves and attaining a successful career and see others as competition rather than intimate companionship. Women, being softer and more social, are much better connected to others, which suits with a more ‘domestic’ choice of career. “Hey, isn’t that our nature?!” And again, these very political incorrect assumptions seem to be correct when we look at the results. When we examine the figures, the big difference that makes women better connected, is indeed being made when we include the results of connection with others. Women score significantly higher than man. 

For all men who think they finally have some statistic to prove their superior role; I’m sorry to disappoint you. The connection with others that is measured here goes much deeper than superficial blabbering.

So this is the moment where we should abandon our stereotypes (if you hadn’t already; welcome to the 21^st century). The connection that we have measured is closely related with personal success. Being well connected means that you will be more successful. It enables people to engage in better and more valuable relationships in which it is much easier to realise your personal goals. So if connection is the key to success, and men regard themselves as competitive strivers for success, then it appears that they are being beaten by the women!

So men should not shove the importance of connection aside because they are too busy with their successful career. They should not dismiss the concept as “soft”. If you want to achieve success in life, perhaps it is a good idea to have a few meetings with your female colleagues and learn something from their abilities to connect! 

One final question: what about the men in France and Italy? Or should I say what about the women over there? They seem to be equally connected. Might we conclude that they are more connected with their feminine side over there? 

For more information on the global research or of the &intoconnection movement that inspires people to connect, see www.intoconnection.com or join us on Facebook or Linkedin.