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May 2012 
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Greetings! 

 

Welcome to May 2012 edition of GenderSmart Tips! This month I am reporting some fascinating results from a study of nearly 300 women leaders conducted at the 2011 Simmons College for Leadership Conference. The study's purpose was to determine the value of corporate women's networks.

Please read these highlights! The study gives tips and strategies for increasing the value and impact of your organization's women's network...or gives you profound food for thought about developing one. Consider forwarding this newsletter to your senior Diversity or HR management...grass roots initiatives grow deeper and higher!

 

All the best,

 

Jane Sanders

Do Women's Networks Offer Value and Results?  




Yes, To Those Who Participate! 

Catalyst, the leading nonprofit membership organization expanding opportunities for women and business, reports that nearly all companies honored for the advancement of women say that Women's Networks (WN) are critical to their organizational strategies. Value to individual women, however, depends on several factors, the first of which is directly correlated to each woman's level of involvement and participation. The more involved they are, the higher they rated WN effectiveness.
 
The highly engaged  women reported that their WNs meet frequently, have open eligibility, and are at least partially if not totally funded by their companies. These successful WNs offer a greater variety of activities and services. Activities related to skill-building (training, sharing best practices, mentoring, coaching) and to visibility to senior management were noted as offering particular value.

Respondents less involved in their WN were asked to identify what activities they would like their WN to offer. Networking, mentoring, and coaching were indicated very frequently. Many others mentioned the need for training in career development and planning, gender differences, and building relationships; more external speakers; and more frequent activities of all types.


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The Bottom Line For Effective Women's Networks  

 

In summary, the top two training requests the study indicated are career development and gender differences. Other aspects crucial to the success and effectiveness of Women's Networks are:
  • Funding for the WN and its activities, which communicates that the company values the concept and advancement of women enough to make a financial investment.
  • Commitment and involvement of senior leaders, also indicating a tangible investment of time and effort.
  • Well-organized, frequent meetings on topics seen as high value
As indicated above, high-value activities mentioned were mentoring programs, coaching, sharing best practices, building leadership and communication skills, and learning how to balance one's work life.
 
Women's Networks are one of my key areas of expertise! I offer many of these consulting and training services that help companies increase the value and therefore measurable success of their Women's Networks. Call me at 618/204-5540 or email and let's discuss some ideas and strategies!

Or, forward this newsletter to your women's network management and/or Diversity or HR department so they can explore these possibilities.

Quotes Of The Month
"Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never mount the high wire. This is your moment. Own it."
Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine

"When will they make a tractor that can furnish the manure for farm fields and produce a baby tractor every spring?"
George Rupp, educator and theologian, also President of the International Rescue Committee

Contact Information
 

You are welcome to reprint any part of this newsletter as long as you include "By Jane Sanders, GenderSmart® Solutions, 877-343-2150,
http://www.janesanders.com." 

Contact Information
 
Phone: 618-204-5540
Toll-Free: 877-343-2150

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