This Is Why Women Make Better Managers Than Men

You’ve asked mentors for advice on how to be a better boss, learned how to be a crystal clear communicator at work, and read tips for first-time managers. Now that you’re in charge, you want to lead like a true boss. Here’s the thing: According to a Gallup report, you may already have what it takes to be a great manager. Women can boost employee engagement at a much higher rate than their male counterparts.

The report, based on 40 years of data, shows that 87 percent of professionals feel disengaged (AKA bored) at work. And that’s a big problem — since unhappy employees are more likely to walk right over to the competition. The bottom line: If you want to be a great boss, you need to engage your employees. Scroll on for three tips for doing just that.

1. Transparency: As a woman, you’re ahead of the game: The Gallup report shows that female managers cultivate an open-office environment much more than male managers. Employees, especially millennial employees, are curious (and rightly so!). They want to know why a particular client is so important, why a new deck needs to be created, and why you’re asking them to work late in order to do so. You need to give them answers. The more in-tune they are with the business, the better they’ll be at their job. If you can point out that their marketing research helped secure a multi-million dollar client, they’ll be more willing to go the extra mile in the future. Plus, they’ll also have a clearer picture of how to do the work you set out for them.

2. Positive Feedback: You don’t have to give your staff a gold star sticker (although that would be nice), but you should celebrate their success. There’s no quicker way for an employee to feel appreciated than to be recognized for their great work. The Gallup report says that female bosses provided feedback and checked in with their employees more than male managers. It also shows that “…female managers may be better than male managers at helping their employees harness the power of positive reinforcement.” Let’s be real: No one wants to feel like their work is going unnoticed. Make a point to write encouraging emails to your employees, highlight their accomplishments during company-wide meetings, or high-five them in the hallway so that other coworkers are aware of the great things they’ve been doing for the company. And if your manager isn’t taking notice, a humblebrag may help you (and your team) get on their radar.

3. Challenging the Team: Women are likely to push their employees and encourage them to go above and beyond. “Female managers likely surpass their male counterparts in cultivating the potential in others and helping to define a bright future for their employees,” the report says. It’s also quick to point out these female bosses are not freely doling out random promotions, but they’re making sure their employees have interesting work that challenges them and deepens their skillset. Take note, ladies.

How has your manager helped (or hurt) your career? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

There are so many ways you can reach customers today, from online marketplaces to social media platforms, websites and beyond. But which is right for you? To keep up with the fast-paced world of online selling, you want to explore ways to stand out in your market and create new revenue streams. A unique way that’s proven to be fun and actually effective for many small businesses? Live selling.

What exactly is live selling? Think of it as your own online show, where you invite new and loyal customers to chat and join in a livestreamed auction of whatever you’re selling. Entrepreneurs sell everything from trading cards, comic books, and memorabilia to fashion, beauty, electronics, and even live plants on Whatnot’s livestream platform. They share product details in real-time, chatting directly with potential buyers, and selling to the highest bidder.

Here are five reasons why small business owners are loving Whatnot to build their business, grow their online community, and connect with their customers.

1. Create new revenue streams

As a small business owner, you want to look for additional ways to boost your income or diversify your revenue streams. With Whatnot, you can tap into the rapidly growing livestream shopping market and boost your bottom line. In fact, according to Whatnot’s State of Livestream Selling Report, 66 percent of Whatnot sellers earn more than $10,000 per month through livestream selling, and one in four sellers report making over $300,000 each year! That’s a pretty sweet side hustle, andyou may even find it’s your favorite way to sell.

2. Build your community

Whatnot isn’t just a sales platform; it’s a space where you can build a strong community. Through livestream selling, you can connect with customers in real-time, build meaningful relationships, and host dynamic auctions or flash sales – turning sales into engaging experiences that drive loyalty and repeat business.

3. Reach a wider audience

Finding the right customers is critical, and your odds are better when you can reach a broader audience instantly. Whatnot’s interactive format lets you share your product or service with millions of users. Livestreaming offers a way to reach potential customers who may not have discovered your business through traditional channels.

4. Make selling and buying more fun!

Whatnot takes e-commerce to the next level by making sales more interactive and fun. Livestream selling turns ordinary sales into exciting events, with real-time auctions, flash sales, and engaging chats. This approach not only boosts sales but also creates memorable experiences that keep customers coming back for more.

5. Stay competitive

By offering a platform that blends community and commerce, Whatnot empowers small business owners to scale faster, adapt to market changes, and stay competitive. The sense of community is an element that makes the sale less transactional and more relational. And that’s good for business!

Learn how to become a seller on Whatnot today – it’s a total game changer!

Owala fans are gonna want to log on to Target’s website on February 9, because the retailer’s dropping 13 brand-new exclusive bottle designs! Most notably, Target brand Hearth & Hand with Magnolia is teaming up with Owala for 5 totally spring-ready colorways, some of which include the cutest gingham pattern!

Scroll on to discover all the Owala bottle designs dropping at Target on February 9.

Owala x Hearth & Hand with Magnolia

Owala

The latest Owala x Target collab features 5 adorable designs geared for the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection. There will be a mix of 24-ounce and 32-ounce bottles in the drop.

Owala

This 24-ounce bottle in the colorway Costal Cottage is so serene.

Owala

Next up, meet Potter's Wheel: a perfectly light beige color with a tan top.

Owala

Suppertime flaunts the cutest yellow-gold gingham pattern.

Owala

This color, called Gone Fishing, is available in a larger 32-ounce size.

Owala

Finally, the color Picnic Perfection has a blue-grey gingham. You can sip from its 32-ounce size super easily.

The collaborative effort between Owala and Hearth & Hand with Magnolia will launch exclusively online at Target on February 9.

More Owala Bottles Coming To Target

Owala

Additionally, 8 more Owala designs will hit Target’s site and in-store shelves on February 9. This colorful collection includes the FreeSip Tumbler and FreeSip Sway, both of which just launched at the end of January. The FreeSip Tumbler (bottle with handle) comes in a 40-ounce size while the FreeSip Sway carries 30 ounces.

Owala

This adorable color is called Kickflip. The warm tones are perfect for summer!

Owala

Titled Misty Meadows, this serene green colorway will look great on your desk or at the gym.

Owala

Navy Nights features deep blue hues.

Owala

Periwinkle Twinkle is just the cutest name for this spring-y color combo.

Owala

Sandy Shores reminds us of the beach – take us there ASAP!

Owala

This colorway called Sleek is just that – nice and neutral for all your matching purposes.

Owala

Tangy Tango is downright groovy.

Owala

Very Dark is a very chic all-black number.

Owala

The 40-ounce FreeSip Tumbler also comes in the adorably pink Kickflip color scheme.

Owala

You can also find it in Misty Meadows.

Owala

Sandy Shores makes another appearance with the FreeSip Tumbler!

Owala

Finally, snag the tumbler in Very Dark for a mysterious vibe.

Subscribe to our newsletter for news and details on more exclusive drops like this!

One of the deep questions I asked myself on January 1 was, "How do you want to feel as a stay-at-home mom who's also a part of the WFH crew?" The first word that popped into my mind wasn't a full sentence; it was 'ease.'

I've spent the greater part of my life as a people pleaser who also has a Type A personality when inspired during work hours. There's nothing wrong with being ambitious, but I don't always know when to turn it off which leads to burnout. Does this sound like you?

If so, we're not doing this anymore bestie. This year we're changing the way we approach work so we're not on a first-name basis with stress 10 months out of the year. I've got tips from the following bada** ladies who know how imperative it is to not let work drain us:

  • Kayla Baum, CEO & Founder of Twello (a workplace wellness company!)
  • Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin, Founders at The Business Reboot

Keep scrolling for 8 expert-approved tips for how to make work less stressful — & trust me, you need these.

Karin Kaufer

1. Actually Use Your Planner In 2025

We're not buying pretty planners just so they can collect dust on our desks or coffee tables anymore. Corry Frazier and Melissa Pepin want you to get serious because they feel "it starts with planning." They don't mean the kind you eventually flake on either.

"Effective planning is key to maintaining balance and reducing burnout. Whether you're mapping out tasks, meetings, or events, dedicated time for preparation ensures focus and reduces stress," they say. In other words, "the more intentional you are in planning, the more productive you'll be," according to them.

Ever since I've been blocking out my tasks by hour in planner, I've been able to get more done without feeling overwhelmed by splitting my time between writing and being in mommy mode. Frazier and Pepin suggest that you "set weekly planning sessions" that consist of "30-60 minutes each weekend to map out your upcoming week."

This eventually "reduces decision fatigue, fosters a sense of control, and helps you start Monday with clarity and purpose," they add. Yes, this is a sign that you'll be breaking up with the dreaded 'Sunday scaries' if you follow their advice. "You'll feel proactive and grounded rather than reacting to the week as it unfolds," they agree.

Zen Chung

2. Embrace A "Fake Commute" When Working From Home

One of Kayla Baum's tips is to switch up your routine if you're a remote worker. Rolling out of the bed at the last minute before logging on for work sounds appealing until you realize you're uninspired by your days. But, what is a "fake commute?"

"It mimics the structure of a traditional commute to establish a boundary between work and personal life. This could mean taking a walk around the block, doing a 10-minute guided meditation, or even just changing clothes at the end of the day," Baum mentions.

Based on her experience, she's found that "it works because it provides a psychological buffer, helping to separate work and home life." She feels it's "crucial for positive mental health and boosting productivity at work (and at home)."

You can also create a separate work space that's not in your bedroom to get work done! That's helped me tremendously so I'm not sleeping and working in the same area.

Anna Nekrashevich

3. Focus On High-Impact Tasks

Similar to planning your work days as best as you can, Frazier and Pepin want you to "prioritize the tasks that align with your goals." To minimize distractions, they want you to ask yourself:

  • What is the most effective use of my time right now?
"For instance, if you're preparing for a big presentation at work, concentrate on immediate needs rather than getting sidetracked by unrelated projects. This approach helps you conserve energy for what truly matters," they suggest.

Greta Hoffman

4. Stop Making Daily Decisions Hard

Tasks like your morning routine or figuring out what you'll eat don't have to take up a chunk of your time anymore. "Use productivity hacks, such as pre-planning meals or laying out weekly outfits," suggest Frazier and Pepin. They feel that "small routines like this eliminate unnecessary choices" to "make mornings smoother."

According to them, it's "especially helpful for families juggling multiple schedules." I couldn't agree more because I've spent so many frazzled mornings trying to make decisions about what myself and my toddler would wear or eat instead of planning them. With the help of my fiancé, we've cut so much time in half by being prepared ahead of time instead of 'winging it' before work.

Yan Krukau

5. Understand What Your Boundaries Are And Set Them

Worried that you'll be considered 'mean' if you tell your manager or coworkers what your boundaries are at work? Depending on your environment, it's 100% understandable. However, you're human and there's no reason you should be over-performing to your detriment. Frazier and Pepin say, "Set boundaries and communicate clearly. Adopt Brené Brown's mantra: 'To be clear is to be kind.'"

They encourage you to not only "be upfront about your schedule to manage others' expectations," but it's also so you can "avoid over-commitment." Say it with me: I will not make false promises just to appease others. Why?

Frazier and Pepin say, "Don't be afraid to say no to side projects or anything that doesn't align with your goals."

Kaboompics.com

6. Ignore Emails Sent After Your Work Hours

I've been guilty of sending an email after work to acknowledge that I saw something, but I never expect other people to feel obligated to respond until the next business day. On the flip side, I've felt pressured to answer something that feels timely and I've gone to sleep thinking about the sender's potential follow-up email.

"Just because a coworker chooses to work late at night doesn't mean you must answer. One helpful trick is to include your working days and hours in your signature, explaining that responses may be delayed outside of those times," Frazier and Pepin say. They even have a prompt you can use if you're not sure what to type:

  • "My working hours are [Your Working Hours, e.g., 9 AM - 4 PM ET]. Please note that these may differ from your local time zone. I appreciate your understanding and will respond to emails during my working hours."

I can't wait to start utilizing this...for research purposes only 👀.

Tima Miroshnichenko

7. Please, log off from work when it's time.

Unless you're scheduled to work late, take the time to log off from work and not think about it until the next day. Baum says, "Commit to fully logging off once the workday ends—no 'quick email replies' or sneaking in work over the weekend." I'm eyeing you Ms. "I just need to send a quick email" while you're on vacation or spending time with your significant other.

Baum says creating this separation works because "fully disconnecting allows your mind to reset and recharge" which ends up "making you more efficient, creative, and focused during actual work hours." According to her, you'll eventually "improve personal well-being" and "enhance long-term work performance."

As soon as my work day is over, I make a beeline for the shower so I can decompress. After that, I take my time with my skincare routine and keep my phone out of reach so I'm not tempted to look at anything work-related. I'm not always successful, but I've noticed a difference in my mood since making this shift.

Yan Krukau

8. Speak Up When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

And if you're 100% drained because you've been trying to tackle work tasks during and after hours, Frazier and Pepin want you to speak up. "If you're feeling overwhelmed with your workload, approach your manager with honesty and a focus on solutions," they suggest. Here's another prompt of theirs you can use:

  • "I've been noticing that my workload has extended beyond regular hours, and maintaining balance is becoming challenging. Could we discuss prioritizing tasks or adjusting expectations to ensure I can deliver quality work without compromising my well-being?"
What this does is "frame the conversation as collaborative and proactive, encouraging your manager to work with you on a resolution," Frazier and Pepin observe.

Visit more of our work-life articles when you need career advice or how to learn to part ways with burnout for good.

Every Gilmore Girls fan remembers exactly where they were when they heard THOSE final four words at the end of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. You know the ones — Lorelai and Rory are sitting on the steps of the gazebo, when Rory says, "Mom?" "Yeah?" Lorelai replies. "I'm pregnant." I'M SORRY?!

Some fans think the writers' decision to have Rory get pregnant traps her in an "embarrassingly depressing" cycle, while others think it's a beautiful way to tie the story back to its beginning. But while it's been all but confirmed the baby is Logan's, one Reddit theory actually ties Rory's pregnancy to Paris of all people — and it makes the ending so much better.

Keep reading for the Rory and Paris Gilmore Girls theory would totally change the ending.

This 'Gilmore Girls' theory centers Rory and Paris (as it should).

According to @floatingwithobrien on Reddit, "Logan isn't the dad. Neither is Jess or the Wookiee or Paul or Dean or Colin or Finn or Robert."

You'll remember that in the "Summer" episode of the Netflix miniseries, Rory hopes that Paris, who runs a fertility clinic, might "let me be one of her surrogates. She's always liked my teeth."

"Maybe Rory simply chose a particularly dramatic way of informing her mother of this new career," the Reddit user continues. "Are you all happy now? I gave you an out. Rory isn't going to be a mom, she's a surrogate, because she needs the cash. She has been artificially inseminated so she can sell the resultant child to a couple in need. (For anyone sensitive about fertility issues, this is a hard /s, just FYI.)"

This theory totally reframes those final four words because considering so much of Lorelai's story involves her feeling like she had no choice, making Rory a surrogate gives her ultimate agency over her life. "Paris is the dad (so to speak)," @floatingwithobrien says. "Eat it up, kids."

And other fans are totally running with it! "Finally someone else thinks this too!" prosperosniece says. "My guess is that Rory is carrying a baby for Michel in exchange for money to get her masters degree so she can teach at Chilton."

However, BrownieEdges points out that "she’s not selfless enough to carry a baby for someone else." Yikes.

But if the baby really is Logan's, and Rory raises them, Lauren Graham has her "own fantasy" for how A Year in the Life season 2 could open.

"I think it's gonna be a girl and I think she calls her another permutation of Lorelai, cause you know Rory's short for Lorelai," she said during her Have I Told You This Already? book tour. "And I'm gonna go with Lola. I made all of that up, don't get me in trouble!"

Baby Lola!! I just know that Lorelai would make a fantastic grandmother, and she'd totally spoil her granddaughter with tons of coffee and incredible music. (Plus killer fashion accessories). Scott Patterson told me he's "always hopeful" for a Gilmore Girls revival so hopefully one day we'll find out what Lorelai and Rory's life looks like in 2025!

Read up on This Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life Season 2 Idea Would Make Rory Way More Likeable for yet another idea on what the future of GG could bring.

Jurassic World: Rebirth is hitting theaters this summer and I cannot stop thinking about how good Jonathan Bailey looks. The Bridgerton actor stars as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis alongside Scarlett Johansson's Zora and Mahershala Ali's Duncan Kincaid. Together, the team is tasked with getting DNA samples after the world has become inhospitable to dinosaurs. But, naturally, all the internet can talk about is Jonathan Bailey. (Relatable).

Here's your first look at Jonathan Bailey & the Jurassic World: Rebirth trailer.

The Jurassic World: Rebirth trailer introduces us to a whole new team.

I had high hopes for the Jurassic World: Rebirth trailer and my oh my did it deliver. Scarlett Johansson and Jonathan Bailey were born to play the roles of Zora and Henry, and not only are they electric together onscreen but they are so believable. And Jonathan with his little sweater and glasses? I'm not super into science and I'd listen to that man all day long.

We also finally get a glimpse at the dinosaurs we'll see in Jurassic World 4 and honestly? They're terrifying. That being said, I'm gonna go watch the trailer again.

Jonathan Bailey and Scarlett Johansson team up for a brand new mission.

In the latest image, Scarlett Johansson looks on while Jonathan Bailey examines what looks like an egg from a giant nest. And considering these two are finding DNA samples from three giant land, sea, and air creatures, it's safe to assume a dinosaur isn't far off.

While revealing the image on The Today Show, Scarlett couldn't help but gush over her costar. "How cute is Jonathan Bailey? He's the best person, he's a dreamboat," she says. "Does he love you too? He has those kind of eyes...He's the best!"

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

I already know that ScarJo and Jonny Bailey are going to make the ultimate team. But social media's favorite part of this whole movie is Jonathan's glasses.

"I can’t believe we’re getting a Jurassic Park movie with Jonathan Bailey in slutty glasses," one X user said. "The T Rex doesn’t stand a chance."

Oh what I wouldn't give to have Jonathan Bailey gaze into my eyes while working to save the world.

Jasin Boland/Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment

And nobody is going to kick butt like Mahershala Ali. I'd trust this man with my life.

Are you excited to see Jonathan Bailey and Scarlet Johansson in Jurassic World: Rebirth? The movie hits theaters July 2, and you can check out The 13 Most-Anticipated New Movies Coming In 2025 for more.

This post has been updated.