Lessons from Top Gun in toxic masculine leadership 

Toxic masculine leadership is still evident, not only in workplaces but on the big screen. In this post, Stephanie Davies looks at how Top Gun can teach us a lot about changing the culture and bringing everyone together in positive, beneficial ways.

Toxic masculine leadership - and a whiff of cheese

This month Top Gun roared back to the screen in a much-anticipated, much-hyped sequel; Top Gun: Maverick. The film reprises Tom Cruse’s iconic role as Pete ‘Maverick’ Mitchell, the motorbike-riding, volleyball-playing US Air Force fighter pilot with a rebellious streak as wide as the Arc Royal and a dazzling Mach 2 smile. 

Of course, this is the 2020s so there have been updates. Maverick is still risk-driven, but less narcissistic, more empathetic, and more of a team player. He’s fallible, and at times he even gets a bit emosh, bless. Plus, there’s even a token female pilot allowed behind the joystick. It’s not woke, but it’s certainly not as ‘bloke’ as the original. 

Even so, the old toxic masculinity motifs are still there. Unattainable representations of male physicality? Tick. Aggressive, male-dominated leadership? Tick. Air-punches? Tick.

If you’re looking for high-octane cheese served with a heavy dose of nostalgia and a soft-rock soundtrack, the movie doesn’t disappoint. If, however, you’re looking for challenging deeper meaning, this might not be your bag. Subtly isn’t a strong point – in one scene, rebellious Maverick literally throws the rule book in the bin.  

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a sucker for Top Gun and loved the movie. But it did get me thinking about toxic masculinity.   

What is toxic masculinity in leadership? 

Toxic masculinity is defined by adherence to ‘traditional’ male gender roles that consequently stigmatise and limit the emotions boys and men may comfortably express while elevating other emotions such as anger. 

It’s marked by economic, political, and social expectations that men seek and achieve dominance. And while expectations of the future workforce are rapidly changing, and emotional intelligence will be one of the most crucial skills for everyone to exhibit at work in the decade ahead, recent statistics indicate toxic masculinity in the workplace remains rife. 

The Kantar Inclusion Index, which was published last September and surveyed almost 20,000 people in 14 countries operating in 24 different industries, found that more than a quarter of women (27 percent) feel they don’t belong in their workplace. 

Let’s understand and be more empathetic

This isn’t about blame; it’s about understanding and bringing everyone together and accepting we all have a role to play by setting examples and normalising that you can be confident, strong, and competitive while being empathetic and in touch with your emotions.  

The greatest skill we can build in our workplaces and our children is empathy. This needs to come from the top, and permeate throughout the culture through stories and role-modelling. Empathy allows an individual to better understand inclusivity and the struggles of marginalized groups — whether it be due to race, religion, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. 

So, what can we do?

Promote more women

This isn’t about putting women in roles as a ‘token’ (take note, Tom), it’s about spotting talent and supporting it. Visibility is important. If we see people ‘like us’ we believe we fit. Lots of studies show that promoting women into positions of higher responsibility allows workplace culture to evolve positively.

Call out bad behaviour

Create a culture of listening and safety where people can call out bad behaviour. A zero-tolerance rule for inappropriate sexual comments in the workplace can be a good starting point. Some women may not mind, and some may even join in, but this could be because they’re singled out if they don’t, while the majority feel uncomfortable and irritated.

Invest in assertiveness training

Toxic masculinity often creates a culture in which those who already face some form of prejudice – such as people with disabilities or the LGBTQ+ community – are further disadvantaged. This makes them less able to speak up, go for promotions, or express themselves. Assertiveness training is a great way to combat this and gives people the tools and confidence to call out prejudice and discrimination, as well as play a more active role in shaping company culture.

Educate

It’s important that men realise that no one is taking issue with their existence, or directly accusing them of anything. It can also be helpful for men to understand that many facets of toxic masculinity are directly harmful to them too; having to constantly strive to be the best, be independent, and not show weakness or emotional pain are destructive standards for anyone to hold themselves to. For some, this might mean ‘unlearning’ what it means to be a man. 

This isn’t about excluding men, or parts of our culture like Top Gun that are fun and meant to entertain. As a comedian, I fully understand the concept of entertainment and how sending up aspects of society helps us connect. 

But there needs to be a balance. Just because we’ve come some way, doesn’t mean there’s not more we can do. And who knows, Top Gun 3 might include several female pilots, LGBTQI+ representation, and a few dance and song numbers?