INSPIRATION & MORE
Get inspired to #LeanInTogether for the women in your life. To learn more about how you can play your part, check out these expert talks, informative articles, and fun activities for men at home and at work.
All-Star Dad
Involved dads raise happier, healthier, and more successful children. Moreover, kids benefit when that involvement goes beyond the traditional paternal role. When parents have 50/50 partnerships, children grow up with more egalitarian views and can envision more possibilities for themselves. Telling your kids “you can do anything” is not nearly as effective as showing them they can!
50/50 Partner
Women still do a majority of housework and childcare, and in many cases husbands’ careers get prioritized. Approach your relationship as a true partner. Couples who share responsibilities have stronger marriages—and their children benefit from seeing their parents model equality.
Workplace MVP
Men are expected to be assertive and confident, so we welcome their leadership. In contrast, women are expected to be kind, nurturing, and compassionate, so when they lead, they go against our expectations and often face pushback as a result. Challenge these stereotypes by pointing out bias and supporting your female colleagues. You have a strong incentive to make sure that women succeed in your organization—men who work well with women and tap the full talents of their teams outperform their peers.
Stand-Up Guy
A Stand-Up Guy encourages and supports the women in his life and challenges gender bias. We typically underestimate women’s performance and give them less credit for their accomplishments. As a result, their confidence often erodes and they become less likely to pursue new opportunities. For example, men typically apply for jobs when they meet 60 percent of the hiring criteria, while women wait until they meet 100 percent. Celebrate your female friends and family members’ abilities and encourage them to go for it. Men are expected to be strong and in charge, so we welcome their leadership. In contrast, women are expected to be kind and collaborative, so they often face pushback when they take the lead. Listen for the language of this likability penalty. When you hear a woman called “aggressive” or “ambitious,” request a specific example of what she did and then ask, “Would you have the same reaction if a man did the same thing?” In many cases, the answer will be no.
