eve-olution newsletter February 2005
Contents
- Statistic of the month
- Book of the month
- Dare we debate gender differences? By Tracey Carr, CEO eve-olution
- Women Leaders Speak Out Survey
- Coaching Tip – what do you need?
- Creative Female Leader
Statistic of the month
The average Briton now spends a quarter of his or her waking hours on the phone, using email or sending text messages.
Book of the month
If you don't have big breasts put ribbons on your pigtails by Barbara Corcoran
One of the best books we have read in a long time with 'real' lessons about what it takes to start, grow and sustain a $4 billion business. Barbara Corcoran grew up with 9 siblings and was a dyslexic D- student. However, this didn't stop her creating a multi-billion dollar colossus! Mandatory reading for everyone who has an eye on success.
Dare we debate gender differences?
by Tracey Carr, CEO eve-olution
Larry Summers, President of Harvard University, was recently giving a luncheon talk to a conference organised by the National Bureau of Economic Research on the under-representation of women in science and engineering faculties at American Universities. Acknowledging the basic premise that in maths and science few US faculty members were women, and even fewer at the senior levels, he suggested three possibilities for this imbalance. The first two were politically correct and therefore safe enough: Firstly discrimination, secondly, a long hours culture which might discourage women with family commitments.
But it was the third possibility put forward that caused female academics to collapse from shock at the assault on their academic freedom: He cautiously put forward the idea that there are innate differences between the way the female and male brains work. Within days calls were made for Summers resignation and he was forced into a series of grovelling apologies including a letter to every member of the Harvard community promising a better understanding of women's issues and promising to establish an enquiry into gender discrimination at Harvard University.
Whilst I strongly advocate the advances made by feminists for the advancement of women I cannot help but think we have gone too far in the opposite direction and when freedom of speech and debate is shut down due to a minority representation of the female voice – the situation has become absurd.
In our work with female leaders from all professions and industries we have heard women, on many occasions, refute this viewpoint - they do not agree with the sentiment that there is no difference between men and women. Men and women are very different - in the way that they think, the way they converse, build relationships and get things done. Our annual survey 'Women Leaders Speak Out' which is currently live and has had over 900 responses from women directors supports these views. I would even go so far as to say that the main reason for female attrition in the workforce is because we are different and it is those differences which cause a woman to feel isolated, misunderstood and to feel that she can't get on in the workplace.
Our recent launch 'Mars and Venus at Work' is an attempt to bring this debate out of the closet. Feedback from participants on these workshops has been one of puzzlement. As one male delegate recently put it 'For 10 years I have been told to think that men and women are the same and now I am being told to think that they are different. It is a new concept for me.' The viewpoint that 'equal = same' is further reinforced by the fact that it is often the female emulating the male work ethic that gets promoted.
As a result of the equal opportunities legislation we have created a hypnosis of social thinking which doesn't serve anybody. Equal does not mean the same. The facts are that while men and women are equally good at maths overall, men tend to fall at either extreme of ability. Women who are good at maths are more likely to study law or medicine because they are more verbally talented and thus have broader options.
If an organisation is serious about changing the culture it is going to have to be brave. I like the analogy of the surgeon who realises that there is something very wrong and that he is going to have to operate. For a short time there is a horrible mess and lots of uncertainty and confusion but when the patient is sewn up again – he is healthier than he was before.
If we are going to create an equitable workplace where difference is celebrated and minority groups feel included then we must get 'messy' for while. It is time to move away from the concept of the androgynous employee and in order to achieve this we must not be attached to our point of view.
Women Leaders Speak Out Survey
A very big thank you to all 900 Women Leaders who participated in our annual survey. We are pleased to announce that Surrey University have kindly agreed to collate your responses and the results will be available during April 2005.
Our draw for the winners of the 2 places on our Creative Female Leader Programme will be confirmed in the next newsletter.
Coaching Tip – Your Call!
Here is an offer not to be missed. Take five minutes right now to compose a quick, confidential email and win a free place on the Creative Female Leader, eve-olution's flagship event for women, as well as the free executive coaching that goes with the course.
(February's coaching tip for decisive, winning action: Trust your first response to our question below. Write it down, in the next five, then send it. Don't think again; just believe in yourself and act. Learn from the outcome.)
What are the top six challenges you face in the workplace, summarised as six topics which you believe hold the keys to success for you? Part of the challenge is to think about your challenge, but state it as a solution, an outcome, a goal you desire. Is it "playing the game men play and winning" or "managing family and work successfully"? We want six from you. Really stretch yourself and stretch our coach! The likelihood is that the solutions you seek are the same for other women, but today, just think about YOU and tell us the skills and breakthroughs you need.
Send an email with Coaching Tip in the subject line to jane@eve-olution.net by February 28 and our coach, Jane Campion, will collate the responses for a Top Six. She'll then provide that coaching for you through the newsletter in coming months. eve-olution's CEO Tracey Carr will draw the winner's name from a hat and announce it in the next newsletter. Anyone is eligible to enter this one!
Creative Female Leader
Feedback from the last event:
'Ideal pace, great content – I feel thoroughly enriched by this experience.'
Director, Bank of Scotland'Great being with smart, inspiring people. I can leap off the cliff and see what happens. If I can speed read then I can do anything!'
Consultant'Thanks for an energising, inspiring experience that has really given me focus, impetus and food for thought. I thoroughly recommend it – to anyone! A real tonic.'
Senior Diversity Practitioner'Generally very well managed through information giving and ensuring involvement'
Director, Barclays Bank'Great to connect to other women and be inspired by them and their achievements.'
Senior Manager, Compass Group