Talking About Gender Differences @ Work

Why This Conversation Matters

In the 2019 “Women in the Workplace” report, McKinsey & Company wrote that, “When employees feel they have an equal opportunity to advance and think the system is fair, they are happier with their career, plan to stay at their company longer, and they are more likely to recommend it as a great place to work.” Hiring talented men and women is the beginning of gender diversity, not the end. While many companies have committed to increasing the number of female leaders in their organization, far fewer have asked themselves what would need to change to retain her once she signs the offer letter. Until companies address inequity, they will never retain diversity. This conversation is designed to help a team get curious about gender differences that may exist in their workplace and “reveal what feels real” for both men and women at work. Once revealed, the team will be invited to work together to create a more inclusive environment for all.

Goals of this Team Talk:

  1. Identify the opportunities you have for improving gender equity in your workplace

  2. Reveal the gender differences and similarities that shape your team’s mindsets and behaviors at work

  3. Appreciate the value of having a conversation about gender differences and your comfort and ability to do so

  4. Encourage your team members to connect & demonstrate empathy for one another

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EACH TEAM TALK YOU PURCHASE WILL INCLUDE A WARM-UP EXERCISE, A CONVERSATION GUIDE, AND A CONVERSATION TOOLKIT

The Warm-Up

This is a self-awareness exercise – Team Leaders will send out this document to their team before the Team Talk to get individuals thinking about the topic and “warm up” to the concept of sharing during the session.

The Conversation Guide

This tool is for the Team Leader and it provides a suggested flow for leading the conversation and getting the team talking. The guides are easy to follow, yet open enough to allow each team to shape their experience together. Every conversation ends with an invitation to practice and build upon the learning together.

The Conversation Toolkit

These are the visuals and handouts that make the session more engaging.