Experts are constantly looking for a rational explanation of why gender inequalities still exist in business. Depending on the study du jour , some of the current explanations include women’s inability to negotiate, women’s lack of confidence, and women’s unwillingness to compromise their ethical values for career success.

What if there isn’t a rational explanation? What if a major cause has to do with implicit biases which result in discriminatory behavior?

Instead of focusing on acting “more like a man” – a strategy that has not worked in the past 30 years – we have a different solution. The key to moving up in your career is to get to the root cause of what is blocking your career. It starts with implicit biases.

Addressing Implicit Gender Bias and Enhancing Women’s Leadership Skills Course Outline

Pre-work: Harvard Implicit Gender Bias Assessment

Participants will complete the Harvard Implicit Association Test (IAT) focused on gender bias before the course begins. This scientifically validated test helps individuals uncover unconscious biases they may hold regarding gender and leadership.

Webinar

Introduction and assessment discussion

• Overview of the course objectives and structure
• Explanation of implicit bias and its impact on workplace dynamics
• Discussion on the importance of addressing gender bias in leadership

What does your assessment reveal about your own bias

• Guided interpretation of IAT results
• Reflection on personal biases uncovered by the assessment
• Discussion on common implicit biases and their manifestation in the workplace

Classroom Training

Define Implicit Biases — The Numbers Don’t Lie

Examine a statistical journey women in leadership have taken in the past 50 years

• Historical overview of women’s participation in leadership roles
• Key milestones and legislative changes affecting women in the workplace

Review media and cultural stereotypes for women in leadership

• Analysis of common stereotypes and their origins
• Impact of media representation on perceptions of women leaders

Compare the percentage of women in key fields 50 years ago and now: business, tech, medicine, law, and politics including salary changes in fields

• Statistical comparisons across different sectors
• Discussion on progress made and areas still needing improvement
• Analysis of the gender pay gap and its evolution

Parallel career trajectories of women and men in the same fields

• Case studies comparing career paths of men and women
• Identification of common obstacles faced by women in career advancement

Break Implicit Bias Habit

Recognize your “adaptive unconscious” through introspection

• Understanding the concept of adaptive unconscious
• Techniques for self-reflection and uncovering hidden biases

Practice three steps to observe and change your bias behaviors

1. Awareness: Recognizing bias in thoughts and actions
2. Analysis: Understanding the impact of biased behaviors
3. Action: Implementing strategies to counteract bias

Overcome Boldness Barriers and Build Confidence

Annul self-defeating beliefs

• Identifying common self-limiting beliefs
• Techniques for challenging and reframing negative self-talk

Apologize for mistakes, but not for who you are

• Understanding the impact of over-apologizing
• Strategies for maintaining accountability without undermining authority

Anticipate and prepare for setbacks

• Developing resilience in the face of challenges
• Creating action plans for potential obstacles

Annihilate arrogance

• Distinguishing between confidence and arrogance
• Cultivating authentic, humble leadership

Communicate Boldly

Use a framework to plan what you will say even “on the run”

• Introduction to a quick-thinking communication framework
• Practice exercises for impromptu speaking

Prepare for bold communication in meetings

• Strategies for effective participation in meetings
• Techniques for assertive and clear communication

Be engaging — ask questions and listen

• Developing active listening skills
• Crafting powerful questions to enhance engagement and understanding

Throughout the course, there will be interactive exercises, group discussions, and opportunities for participants to apply the learned concepts to their own experiences and workplace scenarios.

Target Audience

Women who are either stepping into a leadership role or are currently taking on a challenging leadership assignment.

Delivery Options

Make Bold Choices as Women Leaders is available in the following formats: Half-Day Training Workshop, Full Day Training Workshop

Women In Leadership Workshops