The secret of successful women is femininity, according to new research. Those with an aggressive approach are less likely to win promotion. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1348729/Why-acting-like-man-work-wont-promoted-work.html [1] 

I'm sure the same applies to men though. Personable, consultative and assertive people are better at motivating teams and inspiring and engaging people, and ultimately getting the best out of people, than autocratic, dictatorial leaders - that are becoming increasingly unfashionable. "Soft power" and persuasion are the new business tools. 

A piece in the Harvard Business Review on women and "soft power" in business looked at the rise of women in politics whose approach is distinguished by dialogue and engagement. The HBR author defines soft power as "the ability to influence or lead through persuasion or attraction, by co-opting people rather than coercing them." But he goes on to add: "Soft power isn't the exclusive preserve of women; U.S. President Obama, for instance, effectively uses soft power." You can read the whole article here:
http://blogs.hbr.org/hbr/nayar/2011/01/women-and-soft-power-in-business.html [2]