Stop Trying to Fix Women, Leverage Allies Instead - Feature article by Julie Kratz

Feature article by Julie Kratz, Allyship + Inclusion | Forbes + Entrepreneur + Fast Company Contributor | Kelley School of Business Professor | Keynote Speaker

We've all seen the leadership books: "Lean In," "Own It," "Negotiate Like a Boss." They preach confidence, risk-taking, and playing the game – often suggesting we adopt traditionally "masculine" traits. But in the automotive industry, a space historically dominated by men, is that really the answer? When we try to act like men, we are met with negative feedback and everyone loses the benefits of diverse and often innovative perspectives.

Since 2015, when I began researching and teaching about allyship, I've seen too little progress. We're still grappling with the same issues. Telling women to "forget they're women" and act like men is not only unrealistic, it's counterproductive.

The Power of Feminine Traits in Automotive Leadership

Let's dismantle the idea that "masculine" is superior. Gender is a spectrum, and within that spectrum, feminine traits like collaboration, emotional intelligence, and measured risk-taking are invaluable, especially in the automotive sector. These qualities foster better teamwork, stronger customer relationships, and innovative problem-solving – all crucial for driving success in our industry.

Instead of trying to fit into a mold built by men, we need to leverage our unique strengths. The "yin-yang" effect – the balanced integration of masculine and feminine traits – creates a more dynamic and effective leadership style, leading to higher employee engagement and better business outcomes.

The Automotive Industry's Reality: A Need for Systemic Change

The automotive industry, like many others, still operates under rules largely defined by men. We see the echoes of the "Mad Men" era in persistent wage gaps, limited representation in leadership, and outdated workplace norms.

Despite women outperforming men in education, we still see a stark disparity in leadership positions. Why? Because the system wasn't built with us in mind. We need to shift the paradigm.

Building a More Equitable Automotive Future: Together

The solution isn't about women becoming more like men; it's about organizations meeting us where we are at and building a culture that values gender equality, inclusion, and belonging. We need allies – all genders – to champion this change.

Here's how we can drive progress in the automotive industry:

·  Transforming the Employee Experience:

o    Map the employee experience to identify and eliminate biases.

o    Ensure equal access to challenging assignments and constructive feedback for all.

·  Building Allyship:

o    Establish formal ally networks to foster support and accountability.

o    Encourage men and all genders to actively participate in conversations about gender equality.

·  Creating Inclusive Meetings:

o    Address interruptions and idea stealing to ensure all voices are heard.

o    Promote a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.

·  Driving Belonging:

o    Set a clear tone that all voices matter and everyone belongs.

o    Reach a critical mass of 30% or more women in leadership positions, to create true change.

·  Measuring Impact:

o    Track progress and hold leadership accountable for diversity and inclusion goals.

Taking action in the automotive industry:

·  Connect with fellow women in automotive: Build your network and support system.

·  Advocate for change: Speak up about inequities and champion inclusive policies.

·  Seek out resources: Utilize training programs and assessments to drive diversity and inclusion efforts.

·  Become an ally: Support other women and historically marginalized groups in the automotive industry.

We have the power to reshape the automotive industry. By embracing our strengths, building alliances, and demanding systemic change, we can create a future where women thrive in leadership and drive the industry forward.

Let's accelerate change together. Connect and access our resources for allyship at www.NextPivotPoint.com

Julie Kratz has dedicated her career to allyship and inclusion. After spending 12 years in Corporate America experiencing many career “pivot points,” due to her own lack of belonging, she started her own speaking business with the goal of helping leaders be better allies. Promoting allyship in the workplace, Julie helps organizations foster more inclusive environments so that everyone can feel seen, heard and belonging.

She is a professor at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, hosts a regular Forbes column on allyship, is a frequent keynote speaker, podcast host and TEDx speaker. She is also the creator of the Lead Like an Ally training program and the Founder of the annual International Allyship Day program in NYC. She holds an MBA, is a Certified Master Coach, and is a certified unconscious bias and psychological safety trainer. Julie is the author of 6 books including Allyship in Action, Lead Like an Ally, a children’s book The Little Allies and more. Meet Julie at NextPivotPoint.com.