Why This Matters
Research
Research has shown that most managers and top leadership teams do not fully realize the value of having women in key positions, and this is the case across all sectors, including business, government, political, nonprofit, K-12 and higher education, religious, and community. This may include women in both paid and unpaid roles ranging from positions such as supervisor, coordinator, and manager, to school principal, council member, CEO, and board director.
Equity
Yet, organizations will increasingly thrive when both men and women hold management and leadership roles. Gender inclusivity benefits not only businesses, but also entities such as churches, state legislatures, and city councils. Studies show that diverse and inclusive leadership teams produce more creative, innovative, productive, and effective results, which makes gender inclusivity both critical and timely. Equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging truly matter.
Challenges
Although many people highlight the global progress that has been made in recent decades in terms of the number of women in top positions in various settings, there is still so much more to do. There are ongoing, persisting challenges with efforts to strengthen women’s impact around the world. And, even with some progress, what we are currently doing is not working well enough.
Answers
I believe that we need more answers. We need to base our change efforts, initiatives, and interventions on strong research and theory to do work that truly matters. We need to think “outside the box” for solutions. We need to shake things up as so we can help change the status of women globally.
Change
As I said in my latest book: “I do realize this ‘change the world’ mentality irritates some who do not see gender issues as critical or who do not believe that true social change is possible. However, I am boldly asking for nothing less than this: ‘let’s change the world’ together.” I believe that we must build, bridge, and blaze new pathways for women’s leadership. This is no small feat, but this is what is needed to make the vital changes in our world today.
Called
This is why I do the work I do. I feel called to research, write, speak, coach, and consult on the topic of women’s leadership, unconscious bias, and other related topics. I want to become better, and I want to help others come better. Let me know if I can help you!