Getting To The Top Program
Votes: 7
by heatheddy 12:41pm, 6 March 2008
You will need to login
or sign up to do that
We are thinking of running a Getting to the Top Program – should this be for women only, or should men and women train together to become senior managers in local government?
moonbear
Mar 08, 2008 04:51pm
4
1 
There could be some things about this that are specific to women, and that would not apply for men. The limits we put on marketing ourselves, unrealistic expectations of ourselves, finding ways to overcome the tension between home and work demands; acceptable ways to self promote rather than assuming a subservient or mothering role.
Surfer Chick
May 29, 2008 08:15pm
1
1
I think separate courses are a backward step. Men are just as likely these days to feel the pressure between balancing work and home. They too assume roles to meet expectations rather than fight the stereotypes. As long as 'working mothers' continue to claim special status because we have wombs and work stations, we will never get the equal status we deserve. Ask yourself why the term 'working father' has never taken off? Can you see the hypocrisy?
wilma
Mar 21, 2008 11:59am
5
2
I favour a joint course as most of the challenge are common. I do not think the need to have a work life balance is unique to women but we obviously have a different perspective. I think a joint course but with careful emphasis to ensure that female role models are presented. Where women specific issues are to be dealt with it will be good to have our male colleagues appreciate these issues too.
megand
Jun 25, 2008 09:43pm
1
0
I believe that it needs to be a little bit of both - using male and female senior people to deliver case studies. Given the lower level of women in senior roles, then concentrating on programs that change that, is a good thing.
comserv
Jun 30, 2008 02:25pm
1
0
There have been management programs run forever, clearly given the very few women in senior ranks in local govt in this state we need to be doing it differently-perhaps we need to have a women only program- but it would be interesting to see what kind of status it is given if it is exclusive.
Canberran
Jul 03, 2008 07:39pm
0
0
"getting to the top" requires dealing with a lot of S*** which automatically comes ones way when one is perceived as wielding power. Particularly when one is a female amoungst a bunch of men. I have noticed in the ACT public service anyway, that many women make a conscious decision that they won't seek career progression for that very reason, while they are running a family as well. It's just to much. and many of us without families have suffered a lot of damage due to cultural resistance to women in positions of power.
I suggest some sort of seminar on "what to look out for" and how to manage it into positive relationships would be helpful.
AnnieW
Jul 12, 2008 12:33pm
0
0
I think we need to look at the root underlying causes to understand why women are not getting to the top. We are as bright - but we do not sell ourselves as well. If you look at this issue - it goes even further - What women managers there are tender to be in the community services area.
I think there are benefits in running the courses jointly - but actually axamining this issue as part of the course in itslef would raise awareness. I am as uncomfortable with opportunities for women only things as I am with opportunities for men only. It is important to ensure that there there are minimum quotes for either.