S2 E64 - Dr David Smith - Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School
Aug 10, 2023
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Dr. David Smith, co-author of the book 'Good Guys' and Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, discusses the importance of engaging men as allies for women in the workplace. They explore the impact of the Me Too movement, perceptions of inequitable behavior, and the fear of change. They also highlight the role of CEO commitment in shaping organizational culture and the significance of men's involvement in creating an inclusive workplace culture.
Men can overcome fears and anxieties about gender equity by practicing humility, curiosity, and vulnerability through exposure therapy and more interactions with women.
Creating a culture of inclusion and empathy within organizations is crucial for advancing gender equality, with a focus on allyship training, inclusive mentoring, and sponsorship programs.
Actively engaging as allies in the workplace benefits men personally and professionally, providing access to valuable information, expanding networks, and improving leadership effectiveness.
Deep dives
The Importance of Men Being Allies for Women in the Workplace
Men need to become better allies for women in the workplace and overcome fears and anxieties associated with gender equity. It is crucial to address the social norms that perpetuate toxic masculinity and hinder progress towards equality. Men can de-risk sponsorship and mentorship by practicing humility, curiosity, and vulnerability. Exposure therapy is recommended, encouraging more interactions and conversations with women to develop gender intelligence. Tactics such as allyship training, inclusive mentoring, and coaching programs can equip men with the skills and confidence to be effective allies. Creating psychological safety in the workplace is essential for men to feel comfortable making mistakes and engaging in open discussions about gender equity.
Overcoming Fear and Anxiety to Promote Gender Equity
Men may experience fear and anxiety when addressing gender equity, such as concerns about saying or doing the wrong thing in conversations with women. However, the solution lies in exposure therapy, which involves more interactions and exposure to different perspectives. Employing humility, curiosity, and vulnerability can create a safe and open environment for discussion. Men should be open to feedback, actively listen, and respond by valuing and incorporating suggestions. Developing awareness, emotional intelligence, and analytical skills, while being aware of unconscious biases, can contribute to personal growth and facilitate meaningful and empathetic conversations.
Instilling Gender Equality as a Personal and Organizational Value
Cultivating gender equality should be a collective effort within an organization. Men should approach discussions with women as opportunities to learn, acknowledging that they do not have all the answers. The focus should be on creating inclusive networks, developing empathy, and being compassionate leaders. Organizations can promote gender equity through allyship training, inclusive mentoring, and sponsorship programs. While leadership development initiatives and unconscious bias training serve as valuable tools, the emphasis should be on integrating these practices into the organizational culture. Promoting humility, compassion, and curiosity will help men become better allies and create an equitable and inclusive workplace.
The Benefits of Becoming an Ally and Embracing Gender Equity
Men who actively engage as allies reap numerous benefits in both personal and professional spheres. Inclusive mentorship and sponsorship relationships provide access to valuable information and expand professional networks. Developing skills such as emotional intelligence and communication improves leadership effectiveness. Men embracing gender equity also enrich their roles as parents and partners, promoting positive values and setting examples for their children. By emphasizing the advantages men gain from being allies, organizations can foster a sense of purpose, reward inclusive behaviors, and create a culture that encourages allyship. Gender equity efforts contribute to business success, promote individual growth, and elevate societal inclusivity.
Nurturing Psychological Safety and Compassionate Conversations
Creating psychological safety allows men to feel more comfortable engaging in conversations about gender equity. Organizations should encourage an environment where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities, fostering open and compassionate discussions. Humility, vulnerability, and curiosity promote genuine dialogue and empathy. Men can demonstrate leadership by actively seeking feedback, being open to admitting missteps, and valuing diverse perspectives. By reframing the narrative around gender equity, organizations can de-risk conversations and advocate for the benefits of mutual growth and understanding. Prioritizing compassion and forgiveness in business settings enables an inclusive culture that values all individuals' contributions.
What is the fastest way to create sweeping improvements in equity and inclusion? Invite white men to the conversation! In this weeks episode, Dr. David Smith and I unpack the research that supports how engaging men as active allies and sponsors, creates inclusion for them in the equitable future we are all moving toward.
Dr. David Smith, PhD, is co-author of the book, Good Guys: How Men Can Be Better Allies for Women in the Workplace and an Associate Professor at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School.
David is a former Navy pilot who led diverse organizations of women and men, culminating in command of a squadron in combat. Over the course of his 30 year military career, Dr. Smith flew more than 3,000 hours including combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a sociologist trained in military sociology and social psychology, he focuses his research in gender, work, and family issues including gender bias in performance evaluations, dual-career families, military families, women in the military, and retention of women employees. He is the co-author of Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women and numerous journal articles and book chapters that focus on gender and the workplace.
Learn more about David at: workplaceallies.com
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