The gender gap – is it better to treat everyone the same or acknowledge the differences
August 19, 2015
By Brian Maynor
The fact that gender remains a hot-button topic should come as no surprise.
Whether it’s fashion designers blurring the line between traditional masculine and feminine clothing as a commentary and push for genderless clothing or retailers like Land’s End and Target recently taking steps to promote gender-neutral signage and clothing options for children, the general idea seems to be that by negating the distinction between genders we are promoting the concept that gender doesn’t and shouldn’t limit interests, strengths, talents or potential. The intention is laudable, but is the social push for gender neutrality going to translate into professional success and equality?
Not in the current professional culture. Whether it’s lower salaries or fewer partner level positions, women and men are far from equal in the workplace and according to some leading experts that’s because the idea of gender neutrality does not translate to gender equality. And that isn’t going to change with unisex bathrooms, clothing choices or signage. Here are a few facts about gender in the workplace that might surprise you, and some ideas on how to move forward:
1. “Treat everyone the same” has been an HR rule for over 30 years, yet we still see vastly more men in management and leadership positions than women.
2. The notion that “Men are Mars and Women are from Venus” is still rings true. There are fundamental differences between men and women, particularly in how they learn, communicate and lead, as well as in career cycles and attitudes about authority.
3. It’s time to disband the “Boy’s Club”. Denying these differences only places women at a disadvantage since they are the minority and too often dismissed as ‘not fitting in’. Instead it’s time to look at acknowledging the differences between men and women, deal with them and change the conversation from neutrality to success. Let’s face it, women don’t want to be treated like men, they want the same opportunities to succeed.
4. Change how you view gender. It might be a lot easier to deal with gender if we change how we relate to it. For example, it’s just like learning a foreign language or customs when dealing with other cultures to build a successful and productive working relationship. The same approach is ideal when dealing with relationships between genders.
Unisex clothing is not a new concept, and there is certainly a benefit to creating a culture of acceptance for personal expression, but this is taking it one step further to a point of general neutrality, but that’s not the end of the road. Now that we are creating a culture of acceptance it’s time to start planning for a culture of success, which means embracing and dealing with gender differences to help everyone succeed.
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I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace. Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
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