Redefining Masculinity in Leadership
3-hour Seminars
Day 1
Session Code: SEM-GWhen: April 16, 2019
Location/Room: 205 C
Level: Advanced
Track: D&I Strategy
Presenters: Terri Brax, Women Tech Founders | Ted Bunch, A CALL TO MEN | Shaniqua Davis, Noirefy | Miloney Thakrar, Mind the Gender Gap, Inc.
Prerequisite: To prepare, attendees will be provided a list of prerequisite reading materials that will introduce them to key terms (e.g., masculinity, patriarchy, etc.) and concepts covered during the session.
Description
The groundbreaking anti-sexual assault and women’s empowerment movement, Me Too, increased awareness of how unhealthy forms of masculinity—often associated with traditional forms of leadership—perpetuate inequities in the workplace. More specifically, #MeToo went viral in October 2017 following a deluge of sexual assault and harassment allegations against prominent male leaders across a wide range of industries. This movement ultimately led to the rapid downfall of numerous male leaders, often in the form of forced resignations or terminations.
In the wake of this movement, men increasingly feel alienated, uncomfortable, fearful, and confused about how to show up as leaders in the workplace. In fact, a study conducted by LeanIn.org and SurveyMonkey found that almost half of male managers are uncomfortable participating in a common work activity with a woman, such as mentoring, working alone, or socializing together, and almost 30 percent of male managers are uncomfortable working alone with a woman—more than twice as many as before. Now is an opportune time to reevaluate the role of masculinity in leadership and its implications in the workplace.
It’s time to move away from the polarizing rhetoric that demonizes men and masculinity and move toward a more meaningful dialogue on how we can collectively cultivate a healthier form of masculinity so everyone—regardless of their sex or gender—can feel seen, heard, and connected in the workplace.
This session is designed to create a brave and safe space to explore the complicated and sensitive issues related to masculinity without the fear of being judged. Within a sealed environment of a lab, leaders will have the opportunity to tackle dilemmas, learn new strategies, and move toward purposeful action so they can embrace a healthier form of masculinity as leaders.
Learning Outcomes
- Foster a meaningful dialogue on masculinity and leadership
- Examine the ways in which unhealthy forms of masculinity impact organizational culture
- Identify and learn strategies on how to cultivate a culture that embraces a healthier form of masculinity in the workplace
Sponsor
