Does Parenting Make Better Bosses?

The debate about what makes a great leader often revolves around qualities such as vision, decisiveness and empathy. However, a controversial and often unspoken factor that can significantly influence leadership style is whether or not the leader has children.

Many prominent leaders have no children. Does this mean anything? James McPherson once headlined his commentary in the Washington Examiner, arguing that childless individuals lack the firsthand experience of dealing with “daily confrontations with free will” that come from raising children, leading them to view people as a blank slate . He suggests that childless (political) leaders may not have a personal stake in the long-term impact of their decisions, and questions whether they are even ‘in the game’ when it comes to future generations!

The balancing act of leadership

An executive at one of the world’s largest companies recently confided that he is considering quitting his job because his new manager has no children. He feels that she lacks empathy and understanding for his role as a father, which makes him wonder if she can truly relate to his challenges and responsibilities outside of work.

Leaders without children often come across as completely committed, but this can inadvertently alienate employees who are juggling family obligations. For those balancing work and home life, the sacrifices that come with parenthood create a shared understanding that can be crucial in the workplace.

A historical perspective

Interestingly, childlessness was once viewed positively in leadership circles. Take Queen Elizabeth I: her decision to remain unmarried and childless allowed her to concentrate fully on government. Likewise, George Washington’s lack of biological heirs was seen as a testament to his commitment to the nation, rather than his personal legacy. Fast forward to today, and the story has changed. We now long for leaders who “get it” – those who understand the complexities of personal sacrifice alongside professional ambition.

One working parent shared his concerns after a job interview:

“I’m afraid this is going to sound bad, but during a conversation with my potential manager she mentioned that she doesn’t have any children (I mentioned that I have two under the age of 5). It made me nervous. At my previous company , I worked for someone in his 40s who also had no children, and he never understood when I had to leave work at the last minute because my child got sick or when I had to leave early to pick up my son from preschool. So question is: do you think childless bosses can really understand and sympathize with what it means to be a working parent?

Bridging the gap

Ultimately, effective leadership transcends personal experiences. The best leaders – whether they are parents or not – are those who can empathize with diverse team needs and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

The bottom line

Do you believe that leaders without children are at a disadvantage in your company? Are leaders with children better equipped to lead, or can leadership be developed regardless of personal circumstances?