Why We Need to Have Women's Backs
Photo by Reuben Hernandez
Something is happening in the world. Well, many things are happening but this thing is good. Women are speaking up for themselves, and are speaking out on behalf of others. This feels like the Year of Women.
With so many ways to contribute to this movement I've been thinking about:
How will I show up and support?
My experiences this year already have shown me that right now I can make the most difference empowering women in the professional space. It's no secret that women get less opportunities for growth at work.
Since January, I've worked alongside women creative entrepreneurs at the New Women Space, where we gave and received feedback on our projects. I've facilitated leadership workshops for the Advertising Club of NY Women's Fellows, and the 92Y's Women inPower Fellows.
And this Saturday Feb. 25th, I will co-lead a communications workshop open to all women: Amplify Your Voice: For Women in the 21st Century Workplace (seats still available).
Where can you make the most difference?
This question isn't just for women, it's for everyone - especially men allies. How will you make sure that women have a seat at the table, and once they do that women have real space to be heard?
As a leader and facilitator, you can set guidelines before a meeting or brainstorming session with participants such as:
- Everyone first writes down their answers or ideas on post-its in silence. Then each person shares out loud only speaking once.
- In an open discussion notice who hasn't yet spoken and ask them: "Lisa, we haven't heard your thoughts yet. What do you think?"
- Ask the group up front to self-lead: If you are someone who always speaks first, try speaking last, and vice versa.
Let's help women succeed because when we build each other up we break down the face of traditional leadership.
I've got your back,
Lisa