by Caroline | Oct 1, 2015 | appreciating difference, benefits of diversity, better decisions, business value of gender diversity, confidence, double bind, double bind, gender communication, gender diversity in leadership, masculine communication style, Sheryl Sandberg, women and confidence, women confidence, women in leadership, women masculine style, women self promotion |
In many parts of the world, women’s voices are suppressed. In our western culture, in particular in the U.S. corporate world, women’s voices are not “suppressed.” But they are often not fully heard. Why not? Let me suggest four challenges, with the hope that awareness can help us better hear women’s voices right here in the USA. The feminine style of speech sounds less confident. Women assert themselves only when they really know. Women get “talked over.” And women who do speak up face the “double bind.”
by Caroline | Jan 30, 2014 | ambition, authenticiy, balance of masculine and feminine, feminine leadership strengths, feminine strengths, gender inclusive, gender stereotypes, Inclusion, Lean In, Masculine Feminine Difference, Sheryl Sandberg, women and ambition, women and confidence |
In her book Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg points to internal barriers that hold women back. Many are just “feminine” ways. Women are wired and acculturated to value relationships more than status and to avoid bragging. This looks like lower ambition. Women tend to speak more humbly; this looks like lower confidence. I agree that, to make it to the top, women must demonstrate ambition and confidence. But my hope is that one day leaders will understand and appreciate feminine as well as masculine style and see leadership in both.
by Caroline | Sep 10, 2013 | causes of disengagement, flexible work schedules, flexible work shedules, Inclusion, Inclusive culture, obstacles to gender diversity, Organizational culture, progress of women, Sheryl Sandberg, unconscious images, Women in management, work and family, work life balance |
Send to KindleWomen are doing great in business – in its lower ranks. Women earn more than half of all undergraduate and graduate degrees. According to Catalyst, in the Fortune 500 they make up nearly half of the workforce and slightly more than half of middle...
by Caroline | Apr 9, 2013 | confidence, Diversity and engagement, gender communication, Gender difference, Gender diversity, gender inclusive, Lean In, Masculine Feminine Difference, Sheryl Sandberg, understanding difference, women and confidence |
Sandberg’s advice fits into a large genre of advice for women on how to succeed in the masculine workplace. She correctly says women need to appear more confident. The typical man speaks with confidence even when he is wrong; the typical woman speaks more hesitantly even when she is sure. While advising women to learn to speak more confidently, we need to encourage leaders to understand the gender differences in communication. Translate vs. taking literally. Bilingual cultures (inclusive cultures) allow women to feel valued and be engaged. That’s good for business.
by Caroline | Mar 26, 2013 | Gender diversity, Lean In, Men and women at work, Sheryl Sandberg, Sheryl Sandberg Lean In, understanding difference, women and ambition, Women in management |
I respond to a football analogy about Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In. My brother suggested most women don’t want to be at the top in the business world. Like a “tight end” on a football field, they should be happy with their role and not worry that they are not the quarterback. The point of Sandberg’s book is that IF a woman wants to reach the top, she should lean in. My point is that the playing field is not level. Lots of women who are qualified to be quarterback are held back and hold themselves back.
