MIXED GROUPS ON ALL LEVELS IN THE ORGANISATION
The future belongs to those companies who look at competence and do not blindly look at gender, myths and old stereotypes. A workplace where you also can have a family and at the same time be able to face the competition. It's, difficult, but it's possible.
In Sweden today, most factors suggest that women are ahead of men. They are more competent, get better grades than young men, are more focused, work harder and there are simply more of them. They have waited long enough to get ahead. The latest report from the Swedish department of education show that boys are falling behind in all areas.
As far as grades, boys only have better grades in PE. There is resistance among young men today who only see women as competition and the "dinosaurs" in the workplace who want men to keep the power at any cost. And this is a trend you can see all over the world.
Many young men talk about gender equality as if it isn't a problem for them, but as soon as their wife/partner becomes pregnant, they act suspiciously like their fathers.
Traditionally, the mother is responsible for the child rearing, and the father "helps". Sweden is one of the most equal countries in the world and has very generous parental leave- for both parents. The father and the mother have the right to take paid parental leave. It is possible for the couple to split the time away from work equally, but only 3 % of all relationships in Sweden share the parental leave equally. When the child is sick, it's mom that stays home from work. 60 % of the dads don't take any time of at all. Not one single day. But, still, it has improved over time.
In the United States, it's a sad, harsh reality. Women have the responsibility to take care of the children. It's not even a question. And it's the same picture in most European countries.
We have to start realize that "staying at home with a child" is not a disadvantage for anyone. It's something that should be up there in your CV, especially if you are a man. It's something that widens your competence and makes you a more whole person. Many international companies are finally realizing this and are actively promoting men (and women) to stay home and take care of their kids. It should not be something that you punish, it should be something that you see as a development for this person in his/her career and that make him/her a more competent employee.
Gender equality is basically about having the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities for both men and women. It rules relationships among women and men at work and private life.
The Gains from gender equality
There are only gains to be made for the individual and the company if the company introduces rules about gender equality.
In a gender equal society there will be fewer conflicts. Research shows where there are women in positions of power, the will to use conflict resolution increases. Women seek consensus, men want a clear winner, which usually ends up with everybody loosing. For young women, the gain is clear. They are let in to the rooms of higher powers and can join in impacting our lives. Is there anyone who thinks it will be worse then? I doubt it.
As a man, it is ok to be able to let go of some of the machismo and be allowed to express your more feminine sides. Older generations of men need to be a part of this and have to show the way, since they have the power today.
What men lose in a gender equal society is apparent. They lose power and influence and many men think they will be short changed. Many men see life as a competition and the person with the most possessions when he dies wins. That's not the case. Gender and power is associated and the only way to divide power is to give women more room.
Think about this at the different stages of your career and ask about and encourage gender equality at each company that you are working. As a man or a woman in the workplace, have an influence in the company policies regarding gender equality.
There is only one way to develop as a human being, and that is to look at oneself and take note of how one reacts in various situations. You should challenge preconceived notions, stereotypes and attitudes; let your guard down for a while. There are big opportunities for men and women in the workplace, but you have to make your own way and dare to be visible. Of course it's not enough, but it's a good start.
I firmly believe in mixed groups at all levels in organizations and companies. I think that we men, young and old have a lot to learn from women. My belief is that if we would listen more to women, we will learn a lot about life. We will become better people, better managers, better fathers and more apt to meet all life's challenges. Young men who look at women and see them as a threat to their own careers should listen and learn. The job market will be tougher for them as women become more prominent. It will be harder for them to get a position as they will have to compete with women, but they will be better for it; and the company will gain.
Today more and more companies are starting to realize that women in leadership positions affect the bottom line positively. And that's great for the competition boys! But, again, it's not because of the sex, it's a question of mixed groups on all levels in a company/organization. There are a number of reports from Universities and organizations showing that mixed groups, men and women together have an impact on the end result, (see among many others, www.catalyst.org and McKinseys report. March 2011, Women matters.)
Lars Einar Engström
