by Caroline | Nov 12, 2013 | Difference, Diversity, fear of difference, leveraging differences, understanding difference, understanding difference, value of difference, value of diversity |
I recently traveled to Turkey and saw a living (actually NOT living) example of how importance diversity is. At the formation of the country of Turkey, there was a “population exchange” between Greece and Turkey. Christians were sent to Greece; Muslims were sent to Turkey. Christians and Muslims had lived peacefully together for generations. Towns lost the diversity in their populations. And, as a result, towns died. Difference works! It does not work to eliminate difference. The town of Kayakoy is a memorial to the importance of difference.
by Caroline | Aug 13, 2013 | appreciating difference, collaborative leadership style, feminine leadership strengths, Gender difference, Inclusive leadership, invisible mind-sets, judging difference, leading from the front, Masculine Feminine Difference, Men and women at work, obstacles to gender diversity, Strengths of feminine leadership, strengths of masculine approaches, understanding difference, understanding difference |
The masculine form of influencing others is based on a hierarchical world-view. The feminine form is based on building and maintaining relationships. Those (men and women) who influence in a masculine way command, tell, and demonstrate dominance. Men and women who influence in a feminine way do so through persuasion. We can wisely use our understanding of these differences, and the strengths of each approach, to be more effective. Our understanding and appreciation of these differences enables us to be more inclusive. Leader who appreciate these differences are aware that they can create obstacles, for example, for feminine leaders who do not “lead from the front.” They can see leadership strengths in those who lead collaboratively.
by Caroline | Jul 16, 2013 | appreciating difference, Balance of masculine feminine, better decisions, Difference, Effectiveness, Gender difference, gender stereotypes, Inclusive leadership, leveraging differences, Masculine Feminine Difference, obstacles to gender diversity, strengths of feminine approaches, strengths of masculine approaches |
If feminine ways of making decisions are “Fran,” and the masculine approach to decision-making is “Max,” we are all “Frax.” We are “Frax-wise” when we can use and appreciate both approaches. In the area of decision-making, Max’s approach (the masculine)) is to focus on the goal and approach it in a logical, linear and efficient way. Fran focuses also on the process, gathers ideas, involves others and synthesizes input. Both ways are valuable in different circumstances. Frax-wise people know when to use which; they appreciate someone whose approach is different from their own and know the value of having both on a team. Frax-wise leaders know this difference can create obstacles and work to lower those obstacles.
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 | Jun 18, 2013 | appreciating difference, Difference, generations at work, judging difference, Leveraging Difference, leveraging differences, Masculine Feminine Difference, understanding difference |
Differences can be the source of judgment and tension. Understanding can lower judgment and enable appreciation and leveraging. The sequence is: awareness, understanding, appreciation, leveraging. If we can understand and appreciate masculine-feminine differences, we gain insights and skills that enable us to appreciate and leverage all kinds of differences.
