Embracing Cooperative Leadership Amidst a Competitive Work Culture: Personal Reflections from a Mid-career Female in Environmental Sciences

This chapter aims to offer personal reflections on cooperative leadership style in science and survival of cooperative leaders amidst the competitive research environment. Cooperative leadership, which is characterized by collaboration, shared decision-making, mutual support and placing the team's success above personal advancement, is often embraced by female leaders. Cooperative leaders bear a unique potential for leading global collaborative efforts that address complex environmental challenges, which typically requires the establishment and maintenance of long-term inter- and trans-disciplinary collaborations. However, these leaders often encounter significant professional challenges, including reduced visibility, perceived lack of leadership abilities, reinforcement of gender stereotypes, slower career advancement, and significant risk of overwork and burnout. These challenges can be addressed through collective actions on both the organizational and individual levels. The implementation of policies that highlight collaborative achievements can foster a more equitable environment for female leaders. In conclusion, this chapter calls for a culture shift within scientific workplaces to better recognize and support cooperative leadership, particularly among female leaders. By adjusting evaluation criteria and adopting more equitable policies, institutions can foster environments where cooperative leaders thrive, which could ultimately enhance the collective efforts needed to tackle pressing global challenges.