Is the system broken?

Last week, I enjoyed an incredibly robust conversation with a wise colleague on LinkedIn about getting more women on boards. She challenged me with the fact that women have a huge contribution to make and don’t need to change. We already have the skills we need to get on board and impact a change for the good.She argued that the system is broken. Unconscious bias is alive and well. Perhaps women don’t even WANT to join on board. Perhaps they are already impacting change in their own way rather than trying to do it on board? They are time-poor, tired and too busy wasting time trying to battle the bias.

Julia Gillard and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweali have just released their book on Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons. Gillard speaks openly about being unaware of the unconscious bias that was alive and well during her time as Prime Minister. Hilary Clinton documented the number of ‘days’ she spent on hair and makeup during the presidential campaign. Her male counterpart had zero time on hair and makeup.

My own experience on boards tells me that the system is broken and unconscious bias is real and because of this quotas are essential. I believe that women are enough just as they are. I’ve been doing some very interesting research over the past few months. We are not lacking on qualified, smart women for board roles. I’m not convinced we can point the bone at any one particular issue.

What I know for sure is that we have a great opportunity right now. In the midst of a global pandemic, we need authentic leaders we can trust. We want to see the degree of empathy.  

I believe we can address unconscious bias by working smarter. Based on my research I am developing a framework to address the power base, the circle of influence, essential skills for 2020’s and more. Click here for a 30-minute strategy call now.

Cheers,

H

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