Part 6. Managing a Diverse Team

Profile

Patsy Doerr, an esteemed professional with an extensive background in fostering corporate responsibility, sustainability, and inclusion, currently holds the position of Global Head at Thomson Reuters. With a deep passion for empowering and in representation of women in the workplace, Patsy participated in this enlightening interview on YouTube, where she shed light on the myriad challenges that women often encounter in their professional journeys.

Summary

Patsy Doerr offers valuable insights into the prevailing obstacles faced by women in today's business world. While acknowledging that her observations may contain generalizations, she genuinely believes they hold truth and warrant attention.

According to Doerr, one area where women traditionally lag behind men in business is networking. She asserts that women may not be as effective at purposefully building networks compared to their male counterparts. However, she highlights that women excel at socializing and cultivating strong social relationships, which are valuable assets.

Another aspect Doerr addresses are women's weaknesses in negotiation. She suggests that women tend to prioritize making everyone happy, whereas men are often more focused on achieving their desired outcomes. This divergence in negotiation approaches can impact women's ability to assertively advocate for their interests.

Moreover, Doerr delves into the contrasting risk orientations of men and women. She explains that men often exhibit a higher propensity for risk-taking, while women tend to adopt a more conservative approach in similar situations. An illustrative example she provides is job applications, where women typically feel compelled to meet nearly all the requirements before applying, while men are more inclined to apply even if they only meet a fraction of the job description's criteria.

While Doerr acknowledges these points need attention, she also emphasizes the importance of addressing cultural factors. Cultivating awareness among male leaders regarding these gender differences is crucial, as it can contribute to fostering a workplace culture where individuals feel comfortable being their authentic selves.

Patsy Doerr's perspectives shed light on the unique challenges that women face in the business world while simultaneously emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and understanding environment. Her nuanced understanding of these issues, coupled with her commitment to raising awareness, catalyzes positive change and paves the way for a more equitable future.

Strategies

I created the following strategies aiming at nurturing success in the workplace. These strategies consider the strengths, the obstacles she addressed, and the collective goal of fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Here are the strategies and their justifications:

Cultivating Mentorship and Sponsorship Programs: Implementing mentorship and sponsorship initiatives will pair employees with seasoned professionals who can offer guidance, support, and growth opportunities. This personalized guidance will empower women to navigate challenges, expand their professional network, and benefit from the wisdom of experienced leaders.

Empowering Negotiation Skills: By providing targeted training programs centered around negotiation skills, women will be equipped with the tools and techniques needed to confidently advocate for their interests. This investment will enable women to overcome the challenges Patsy identified, ensuring women can secure favorable outcomes and advance their careers.

Fostering Gender Sensitivity: Organizing comprehensive gender sensitivity training for all employees, including senior leaders, creates an inclusive workplace culture. By fostering awareness and understanding of the unique challenges women face, we demonstrate our commitment to supporting women and enabling them to thrive in an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered.

Nurturing Leadership Development: Identifying and enrolling women in leadership development programs customized to their aspirations and growth areas is paramount. These targeted initiatives will equip women with the essential skills, knowledge, and exposure necessary for assuming increased leadership responsibilities. This investment ensures continued success and advancement within the organization.

Through the implementation of these strategies, I am confident that women like Patsy will receive the necessary support, resources, and opportunities to improve in their roles. These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to growth, while leveraging strengths, addressing the challenges Patsy expressed, and cultivating an inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

Resources

What are the biggest institutional obstacles to women at work? By Patsy Doerr. (2017, June 23). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FA4bMnHx4QE

A. (2022, October 5). Empower women in your workplace - Energy Resourcing. Energy Resourcing. https://energyresourcing.com/blog/empower-women-in-your-workplace

Peter Brown, Chaitali Mukherjee, and Aoife Flood, B. S. (n.d.). Empowering women in the workplace. Strategy+Business. https://www.strategy-business.com/article/Empowering-women-in-the-workplace

Acree, J. (2022, March 7). Council Post: Five Ways To Empower Women In The Workplace. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/03/07/five-ways-to-empower-women-in-the-workplace/

Elmi, D. (2023, May 29). 4 Strategies to Empower Women in the Workplace | Entrepreneur. Entrepreneur. https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/4-strategies-to-empower-women-in-the-workplace/451992

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