Dear Sir,
Being asked to be a champion for gender diversity is a big deal. The performance benefits of diversity of thought are real. You have been given an important job to do. I want you to succeed in this cause because it matters to men and women of all ages, races and abilities.
The diversity and inclusion conversation is gaining pace. I love seeing organisations develop diversity circles and professional women groups gather momentum. Most of us agree that the task of addressing equality falls on all of us – men and women so I am pleased to have men in the conversation. But, after seeing some of your male peers make a real mess of this important job, I feel compelled to offer 5 tips for the next time you are invited to offer your support to the sisterhood.
1. Do your research. Sounds simple. It is. I am stunned at the number of men who offer support to women in organisations and the best evidence they can dig up is that they want a fair chance for their daughters. Noble reasoning for sure, but there are hundreds of research papers and ample evidence proving the case for diversity beyond your offspring.
2. Do not make generalisations about the fairer sex. For as long as women are singled-out for their ‘feminine’ traits, their valuable strengths of assertiveness, problem solving and networking will go unnoticed.
3. Ask the women who work with you what they would say, given the opportunity you have been given. Presumably, you have been asked to speak as a respected leader in your field. Use that well-earned leadership to reach out to smart women in your team and build their engagement and confidence while you are at it.
4. Hold your peers to account. There is evidence of gender inequality everywhere. I was stunned when I saw organisations represented by Liz Broderick’s Champions of Change recorded as Yet to Take Action on pay equity as part of the In Your Hands Campaign. Challenge your peers who are doing nothing to do something and be prepared to learn from those doing well.
5. Have some of the answers… Ok this is a big one so you don’t have to have all the answers, but be prepared to state what you are doing about addressing equality in your organisations. We want to hear about successes and use that evidence to change our own organisations.
We are not asking for much. Just a little preparation and forethought.
Yours faithfully,
Your daughters, sisters, partners, mothers and friends