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Greetings!
Now that it is back to work and school from summer vacations I thought it would be timely to share with you the strategies I developed on how to coach and recruit women. These tips also apply to managing women employees.
I hope you find this month's article helpful and CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE at www.janesanders.com.
Warm Regards,
Jane Sanders |
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 | Five Mistakes Managers Make When Recruiting & Coaching |
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And How NOT to Make Them
...by Jane Sanders
Oops! Yet another female recruit or employee chose a different job option. What happened? Is it truly THAT difficult to attract and retain women? Is it rocket science?
The answers are: could be several things; it can be but doesn't have to be; and, no it's not rocket science.
Five of many gender differences that often derail recruiting and coaching efforts are outlined below. The solutions, as you will see, are simple...just different from most men's styles. There are definitely exceptions but the tips below apply to most women.
Over twenty years of gender communication expertise, along with over 250 interviews with managers and female employees at all levels, constitute the research for this work.
#1 - Pitching money instead of fulfillment
 Women want to make a positive difference in the world, in their communities, and for their clients. They want to contribute and receive joy and fulfillment from their work. Of course they want and need to be paid equally and fairly, but surveys indicate that fulfillment is most important for the majority of women.
Pitch how the position can make a positive difference in people's lives. Describe specific true examples. Have recruiters and other employees tell their own personal stories of how they made a difference, so candidates hear it from multiple sources. Connect the dots between the job and positive contribution. Remind employees of this contribution during rough times and challenges.
#2 - Avoiding eye contact
Women respond to connection and mutually rewarding relationships. Whether they realize it or admit it or not, connection and a feeling of community are key motivators in the workplace. They find it difficult to connect without eye contact. They have trouble developing trust or comfort with someone who doesn't look them in the eye. To women, a lack of eye contact comes across as intentionally avoiding connection, and is a sign of disinterest and disrespect. They don't feel taken seriously. Maintain eye contact during any discussion or conversation with women. Don't stare them down...glance away every few seconds. Use active listening skills such as nodding, making comments and interested facial expressions, and restating important points so she knows you are engaged and value her input and presence. Ask questions to clarify to show interest.
#3 - Not providing emotional support
Women are motivated by emotional security. This does NOT mean they are weak or any less competent or capable than men. It just means they are most productive and inspired when, as stated previously, they feel a sense of community, belonging, and connection. Acknowledge her strengths and successes in specific terms. Acknowledge them often, and publicly. Let her vent at the end of a tough day or week -be her safe sounding board. Empathize with her by sharing your own frustrations and how you overcame them. Describe how other producers handled similar challenging situations. Let her see your human side...that you have tough times too. Make sure she knows you are her #1 fan and that you are 100% committed to her success.
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| GenderSmart Tips |
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More on The Type of Community Most Women Want
Women, whether they realize it or not, (and both men and women of Generation Y) desire a sense of community. Delivering this opportunity to belong to a like-minded, respected group can yield greater results with your recruiting, selection and retention efforts. Community can look like project teams, women's leadership groups and events, mentor relationships, other affinity groups, meaningful access to executives, educational groups, tight-knit workgroups managed by savvy leaders, volunteer community activities, off-site activities, and more.
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Quote(s) Of The Day |
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"The type of human being we prefer reveals the contours of our heart."
- Jose Ortega y Gasset
"Some people regard private enterprise as a predatory tiger to be shot. Others look on it as a cow they can milk. Not enough people see it as a healthy horse, pulling a sturdy wagon."
- Winston Churchill
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You are welcome to reprint any part of this newsletter as long as you include "By Jane Sanders, GenderSmart® Solutions, 618-204-5540.
Contact Information
Phone: 618-204-5540
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