by Caroline | Oct 31, 2013 | bottom line value of gender diversity, comfort principal, Engagement, gender diversity bottom line, gender diversity in leadership, invisible mind-sets, obstacles for women in business, obstacles to gender diversity, unconscious mind sets, women access to networks, women in business, women in leadership |
One of several unconscious mind-sets that create obstacles to gender diversity is the “comfort principle.” People naturally are more comfortable with people like themselves. Access to networks and mentorship are keys to reaching the leadership ranks. If the comfort principle affects who gets great assignments and mentors, this can perpetuate the demographics of leadership. Conscious awareness of this obstacle is its cure. We can stop and be sure the comfort principle is not blocking people from access.
by Caroline | Aug 6, 2013 | better decisions, Business Case, business case for gender diversity, Business Results, Engagement, feminine leadership strengths, Masculine Feminine Difference, progress of women, strengths of feminine approaches, Strengths of feminine leadership, strengths of masculine approaches, Strengths of women's leadership |
Leigh Buchanan’s article talks about a new book by John Gerzema, “Between Venus and Mars.” I see many parallels. Both our work and Gerzema’s are based upon the importance of employee engagement to productivity and profitability. We both see that women have typically conformed to masculine workplace values and styles. Most important, we agree that the workplace needs both masculine and feminine styles of leadership and that the best leaders combine strengths of both. We agree that the best decisions result from having both masculine and feminine thinkers involved and find value in both masculine and feminine forms of communication. We need more women in leadership because a balance of men and women means we are more likely to have a balance of masculine and feminine strengths. And that leads to better business results.
by Caroline | Jul 9, 2013 | appreciating difference, Business Case, Business Results, confidence, Diversity and engagement, Gender Balance, gender communication, gender inclusive, Inclusive leadership, judging difference, leveraging differences, Masculine Feminine Difference, obstacles to gender diversity, Strengths of feminine leadership, strengths of masculine approaches, understanding difference |
There are two “languages” in the workplace — masculine and feminine. We use the term “Frax-wise” to describe people who understand, appreciate and leverage both masculine and feminine ways. (We are all “Frax,” a combination of Fran, the feminine prototype, and “Max,” the masculine.) If I am personally Frax-wise, I know which “language” is most effective in which circumstances. In working with others, as a Frax-wise person, I do not take speech styles literally; I know Fran may simply not be expressing his or her ideas powerfully and Max (though sounding confident) may be expressing an opinion. As a Frax-wise leader, I understand that these differences may create obstacles for those who speak “Fran” and I can lower those obstacles. I can be an inclusive leader and get the upsides of gender diversity.
by Caroline | Jul 1, 2013 | appreciating difference, Balance of masculine feminine, Difference, Diversity and engagement, Effectiveness, engagement, Engagement, Gender diversity, gender inclusive, gender stereotypes, Inclusive culture, Inclusive leadership, Leveraging Difference, Masculine Feminine Difference, Organizational culture, Strengths of feminine leadership, understanding difference |
To avoid stereotyping, I use a prototype named Fran to describe feminine approaches to work and a prototype named Max to represent masculine approaches. All of us are both Fran and Max; we are “Frax.” A person who understands and appreciates both approaches can be “Frax-wise. in the sphere of personal effectiveness, a Frax-wise individual can shift his or her approach depending on the circumstance. In the sphere of relationships — working with and leading others — being Frax-wise enables one to appreciate and leverage difference, increasing engagement. In the sphere of organization, Frax-wise leaders understand how differences in Fran and Max create obstacles to gender diversity — and eliminate them.
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.
