Rick Goings writes a powerful message on Huffington Post, here’s an excerpt:”Studies have shown time and again that opening opportunities for women in the workforce can have a massive impact on a nation’s economy. A report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Countries found that restricting job opportunities for women is costing the region between US $42 and US $46 billion a year. Even in our country, women still only make 77 cents for every dollar a man makes.”

And that’s just the beginning. Goings’ philosophy and position on women in the workplace is so similar to mine and what I teach that it’s as if he read my articles and then wrote the post. No wonder I found this post inspiring!

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I am SO happy to see this post! It’s an excerpt from “The Male Factor: The Unwritten Rules, Misperceptions, and Secret Beliefs of Men in the Workplace” by Shaunti Feldhahn, and explains in no uncertain terms the negative impact that cleavage and tight clothes have on women’s careers.

I have always said dressing this way at work is a mistake. Do you want men thinking about business or boobs? To maximize credibility, respect, and upward mobility, dress professionally without calling attention to your body parts! Save that for social situations, not business.

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Excellent post on The Glass Hammer today, well-researched and thorough article about how, despite some reports, women are far from achieving equality. I like this article for many reasons, one being it reinforces my work and perspective, and what I teach my corporate and association audiences: We have a long way to go; it’s not men’s fault; we need to fix the system, not men; until women can be women (vs. pretend-men) and still be successful, they cannot enjoy equality; and more.

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A great post on Fistful of Talent by Tim Sackett! REad this excerpt:

“Shaun, I hate to say it, but you are probably sexist, and it’s not “mostly womens fault” that you didn’t promote them.  While I’m sure you would argue you are very in-touch with diversity issues, because of your heritage, I would also assume that same background has given you a skewed view of gender issues and the historical battles they have faced in climbing leadership ladders. The fact that you write that some might be surprised that most men have nothing against working for a female boss, shows you yourself were somewhat surprised by the data. Most men don’t have issues working for women, only sexist men have problems working for women.”

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WSJ reviews three books written for working women and pulls out the common threads relevant to flexibility, advancement, “having it all”, and balance. A good solid article…

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Katherine Kersten at StarTribune.com writes about a Wharton study that indicates women are less happy now that they have more equality, and discusses educated guesses as to the reasons why.

I am a gender issues expert, one who fervently believes in equality. I also believe some of the old stereotypes. No, not the ones that go too far and make unfair assumptions and judgments, but the ones that simply stem from general truths. I believe Ms. Kersten is correct in her estimations, and i believe that for survival reasons women have been biologically and socially wired, for thousands of years, to prioritize and covet family and relationships.

Significant detour from these “happiness” motivators cause deep stress, as does the dual role of career and primary household/family manager. There goes happiness and peace of mind. Many women can handle this. Many women have figured out how to have both high-powered career AND family. But, however unconsciously, the further many women get from the roles they have been wired for, the less peace of mind and contentment they will have. Yes this is a general statement, and there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule.

I don’t have time to explain all my rationale (thoroughly researched, by the way), but suffice it to say I was not surprised at all by the results of this study. Women are most definitely capable of strong careers. The world needs women in the workplace as baby boomers retire and the number of available men dwindles. So if a woman gets fulfillment and pleasure and can avoid heavy stress, more power to her. But she should not be judged negatively if she chooses to focus solely on the most important job of all…raising healthy, happy, highly functioning children who will be responsible for the future of the world. And the second most important job? Keeping herself happy and healthy, otherwise she cannot be a consistently positive influence on anyone.

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US News & World Report reveals results of a study to determine if higher testosterone in women impacts their career choices and financial decisions. Big surprise…it does! Read article

Great Gen Y site, Small Hands Big Ideas, talks about emotions in the workplace. so, for those who think gender differences don’t apply to younger generations, think again.

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The Glass Hammer has yet another solid article with specific tips on how to help women succeed and reach top levels in organizations. More women are graduating college and entering the workforce, but few reach executive ranks. These actions and strategies can help.

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