Unconscious Images: What Can We DO about Them?

by Caroline | Dec 17, 2013 | business case for gender diversity, Business Results, business value of gender diversity, comfort principal, double bind, double bind, Gender diversity, gender diversity in leadership, Inclusion, Inclusive culture, invisible mind-sets, Masculine Feminine Difference, Men and women at work, obstacles for women in business, obstacles to gender diversity, unconscious mind sets | 0 comments

Unconscious and invisible “mind-sets” explain the obstacles for women aspiring to business leadership. They explain why we still do not have gender diversity at the top. Unconscious mental images of how leaders look and act can create barriers for those who do not “look the part.” Leaders who are aware of this natural tendency can stop automatic thinking and look at a person’s results rather than whether they fit the image. Those affected by unconscious images can avoid violating norms of appearance at work; be sure the boss knows their skills and results; and collaborate with others to talk about successes.