Breaking Through Bias

How can we explain why, despite the efforts deployed in many companies, the proportion of women in top management ranks remains so low? For the authors, one reason for this persistent disparity lies in cultural stereotypes. Like it or not, these stereotypes introduce biases into the way that men and women behave, assert themselves, and interpret the attitudes of others. Often, unwittingly, these stereotypes severely obstruct the careers of women. It is very difficult to counter them. However, by better managing their communication and personal presentation, women can limit the discriminatory consequences of these stereotypes. Hence, there is no need to wait until workplaces are transformed into “neutral” places. The authors describe, without taboos or caricature, the principal stereotypes at work in various classic work situations: meetings, salary negotiation discussions, etc. They give concrete advice to foster interactions more conducive to parity.