by Caroline | Oct 1, 2015 | Diversity |
I look forward to studying the recently published report by Lean In and McKinsey & Company, “Women in the Workplace 2015.” Sheryl Sandberg’s piece announcing the report in the Wall Street Journal, “When Women Get Stuck, Corporate America Gets Stuck,” got a lot of commentary very fast. In the first hours after it hit the internet, most of the comments are from men. And many of those can only be called defensive, hostile and closed-minded. What’s with the backlash?
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 | 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.
by Caroline | Mar 12, 2013 | ambition, conforming and authenticity, Gender difference, Gender diversity, Inclusive culture, Inclusive leadership, Masculine Feminine Difference, Sheryl Sandberg Lean In, women and ambition, Women in management |
Sheryl Sandberg goes beyond the issue of “having it all.” She suggests that women need to demonstrate more ambition. To avoid stereotyping, I suggest the question is whether women in general are less ambitious or express it differently. Sandberg is observing differences in how the prototypical male and female express ambition. The masculine way is to compete and win. Women in general are less likely to ask for what they want; they wait to apply for a position until they feel fully qualified; they have a harder time taking credit for their successes. We can coach women to appear more ambitious in the masculine way. I would like to see equal focus on coaching leaders to recognize and appreciate differences.
