UNPRECEDENTED TIMES CALL FOR GENDER‐BALANCED LEADERSHIP

Abstract

AbstractThe author calls for greater awareness and action on gender‐balanced leadership, “which harnesses the leadership talent of women as well as men, and allows organizations to double their potential leadership brain power and expertise.” The reasons are clear‐cut, according to the author, in that “the organization of the future will need to tap into a wide and diverse range of voices to address the unprecedented levels of change and disruption we’re collectively facing as a society.” She outlines steps to cultivate this new type of leadership, which in her words are (1) link to the business imperative—think holistic, (2) create accountability and measurements, (3) don’t assume—assess, (4) develop a learning strategy for leadership on gender balance and equity, (5) get past the blind spots—unpacking bias, and (6) engage men in caring about gender equity. Questions are outlined for an organization's priorities and current capacity for gender balance within the areas of leadership, human resources/HR systems, women's talent development, and engaging men. The author concludes that “these steps are a simple starting point, but together, if we all take the next right action, we will gradually create companies that are better places for everyone to thrive.”