Description

Organizations make decisions that affect the careers and values of female leaders. Often decision-making is charged with gender biases and stereotypes, whether consciously or unconsciously. One purpose of diversity management is working to achieve gender equality and to create a comfortable working environment for women. Women in leadership play an essential role in gender equality. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to leadership positions, and tend to be more collaborative and inclusive, resulting in a work environment that is more positive and productive. However, the path to leadership is filled with many challenges due not only to a biological gender obstacle but also a socially constructed gender challenge. Gender bias and stereotypes can cause women to doubt their skills and abilities and limit their opportunities to lead or take on challenging projects.

In this course, you will attain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges affecting women’s leadership careers. Both external and internal gender issues, at every level in organizations, will be explored including Second Generation Gender Bias (2GGB). You will discuss approaches designed to overcome gender barriers and explore how a lack of confidence can restrict your career opportunities and hinder your professional growth. With the help of case study that explores the challenges of building power and credibility in a new job as well as managing relationships with superiors and peers, you will explore the body language of power; the ways it influences how others see you; and you will review the best approach for you to harness your personal power. You will also learn the importance of giving and receiving strategic developmental feedback.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify conscious and unconscious gender biases prevalent in your organization
  • Access various tactics to overcome gender challenges
  • Leverage your personal power to build your confidence and communicate your goals
  • Give and receive actionable feedback to support career progression

Duration

6 hours

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Instructor

Dr. Wendy E. O’Connor is a social psychologist, with an expertise in organizational politics. She founded Executive Spin Inc. in 2002. Her practice specializes in executive assessment and leadership coaching. Clients have expressed their appreciation for her ability to accurately understand their world, fostering an atmosphere of respect, credibility, and trust.

Dr. O’Connor’s strong analytical skills are evidenced in her successful national and regional change strategies. She is noted for bringing both academic and practical work/life experience to her client approaches. A critical ingredient is her distinctive ability to operationalize and implement a vision. The vision then acts as a catalyst for change, promoting focus and clarity of action.

Earlier in her career, she thrived in many roles with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). As a TV producer-director, and a radio/television announcer, she covered many controversial and sensitive stories. Her curiosity led her to pursue advanced degrees in social psychology. Dr. O’Connor is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University (BA), received her MSc from Memorial University, and PhD from Carleton University.