| Is Cumbrian Poductivity Suffering? - August 2005 |
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Anyone involved in recruitment at any level today will tell you of the war for talent in which they are engaged to secure the most able recruits. However for many companies there is a blind spot where they are overlooking the fuller contribution that could be made by half of their workforce, especially in more senior positions. Despite equality legislation that seemed to offer a way through the gender divide, tangible progress towards true equality in the boardroom, the shop floor and most levels in between has been the exception rather than the rule. This amounts to a shocking waste of talent for UK plc. The Equal Opportunities Commission says, "Productivity in Britain is suffering because women's skills are not being used to the full". We need to be aware that we will lose the global race for success of we do not focus on getting the best return from all our staff, whatever their gender, ethnic background or physical ability. We are already falling behind the USA where recent research has showed the value for the bottom line of having a better gender balance at the top of the organisation. Amongst a group of 350 companies, those with more women in their senior teams showed a 34% higher return to shareholders. Outside of the legislative framework much can be achieved at a local level with benefits accruing to both the employer and to the individual. In my experience of working with women at all levels in both the public and private sector I have found that from the top to the bottom they repeatedly exhibit a chronic lack of confidence. This acts as a brake on their wider promotion through the ranks and hinders adequate recognition of their achievements on a day-to-day basis. On single gender training programmes they are ready and relieved to talk about this in an atmosphere where they know they will be understood. We can then start to encourage self belief, self reliance and the host of qualities required to put more into their workplace and achieve their full potential. Personal development programmes are often the first step taken by companies to start to address inequities and the cohort of women from these then form the vanguard, driving forward new initiatives. Positive action programmes require a commitment from the top and they must focus not only on already aspiring senior staff and mangers but also on those at lower levels who will rise up from to fill these positions in the future. Hugely significant results can be achieved, drawing out the "people potential", helping individuals see their true worth and removing self imposed limitations and perceptions. Supporting these by the development of internal and external networks and mentoring programmes can embed the positive change in the new organisational culture. Suddenly, from the recruiter's viewpoint, there can then be access to a new pool of talent. Unless companies can learn how to better develop the potential of all their people their futures will remain bleak and unsustainable. You can take the first step to a brighter future for your organisation by making the most of the first open Springboard Women's Development Programme to be run in Carlisle, starting this autumn. Springboard is for all women below senior management level. It consists of workshops and a workbook and takes place over 4 months. The workbook is packed with ideas, exercises and examples. The workshops are a chance to try out new skills, to discuss progress and to gain support. There will also be guest speakers. Topics include: What you've got going for you Setting and achieving goals Dealing with change Making things happen Building emotional intelligence Balancing home and work Assertiveness More energy, less anxiety Projecting a positive image Networking The 2005 Carlisle Springboard Course for women from a variety of organisations will take place at Living Well, Kingstown Road, Carlisle, on: Tuesdays: September 13th, October 11th, November 15th, December 6th, (9.30-4.30)
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