Wow! Another FANTASTIC sold-out event hosted by HRworks - Adria Bulpitt with topic expertly delivered by Judith Haupt, founder and Managing Director of CONTRACT South Africa.
Judith highlighted the challenges and opportunities of feminine leadership in today’s workplaces—from gender bias and stereotypes to the incredible potential of more feminine leadership. She discussed making meaningful changes as women, male allies, and organizations, emphasizing the benefits of engaging more feminine intelligence in the workplace.
💡The following Key Takeaways stood out for me from Judith’s Presentation:
1⃣ Prove-It Again:
Pattern: Males are seen as having potential while females need to prove their performance. Women can experience "The Stolen Idea," where the competence of their idea has to be proven and could be overlooked, but if brought up by men, it is recognized.
✅Solution: Persist in pushing for promotions, build a support network, document achievements, and call out stolen ideas.
2⃣ Maternal Wall:
Pattern: Mothers might face hiring and promotion biases, often rooted in well-meaning but harmful assumptions. Those without children may face pressure and assumptions about future plans.
✅Solution: Advocate for change, lead by example, and manage communication. Leaders should openly discuss these issues.
3⃣ The Tightrope:
Pattern: Women need to avoid stereotype pitfalls, whether "too feminine" or "too masculine.
✅Solution: Watch your body language, avoid doing too much office housework; don’t be shy to assign it to a male counterpart, and balance assertiveness with warmth.
4⃣ Tug of War:
Pattern: Women need to be mindful of not judging each other and support the common challenges faced through motherhood.
✅Solution: Cheer each other on, resolve conflicts directly, and stand up for one another.
💡ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS:
- 5⃣ Our workplace is still very masculine, although “feminine leadership” qualities can be led by males or females—associating these qualities with leadership would be great!
- 6⃣ We need to bring that human connection back and do more to bring intelligence into leadership.
- 7⃣ Male Allies Are Vital for Broader Change: It starts at home with household chores and supporting partners in their careers. At work, this includes flexible schedules, equal parental leave, and encouraging discussions.
- 8⃣ Men and women are “caged in a stereo society.” CEOs suggest: don’t try to be liked by all, don’t try to be men, and shift from androgynous to balanced leadership.
Connecting with our smiling community, listening to an informative topic, enjoying a delicious breakfast, and laughing at the screeches of delight as attendees won their lucky prizes made it a thoroughly enjoyable monthly outing! Highly recommend you register for the next!
