Moe Carrick, Associate

Regrettably there is no recipe. But there are some things I have learned, having worked with mostly men the past 30+ years. Some of these are consistent with research done by others in the gender space, and some are just my own radical views.

During a recent talk I gave based upon my curriculum, “Women Who Dare,” I shared with the audience my own journey of assimilation to the dominant North American culture of work and subsequent journey away from acting like a model image “white guy” to a leader with my own unique (and feminine) style. The topics resonated with the women there, and one gal near the end asked, “But can you just give me the recipe for how to work with men?” After the laughter died down, I realized the challenges inherent to the question itself. First of all, men are not all the same. They are unique and messy individuals, just like women, although the group as a whole has some common acculturated characteristics. Secondly, working with men requires knowing first and foremost how it is that I partner: as a woman, as a leader, as my unique self.

• Acknowledge your similarities and differences.
• Decide how you want to be seen/known.
• Risk being vulnerable.
• Bravely speak your truth.
• Challenge your support.
• Use your natural gifts.
• Ask for what you need.
• Let men do their work with each other.

Moe is also a Principal at Moementum, a leadership consultancy. ENTIRE BLOG