Athena Rising: How and Why Men Should Mentor Women

by W. Brad Johnson, David G. Smith Narrated by Dana Hickox

Overview

Increasingly, new employees and junior members of any profession are encouraged-sometimes stridently-to "find a mentor!" Four decades of research reveals that the effects of mentorship can be profound and enduring; strong mentoring relationships have the capacity to transform individuals and entire organizations.



But the mentoring landscape is unequal. Evidence consistently shows that women face more barriers in securing mentorships than men, and when they do find a mentor, they may reap a narrow range of both professional and psychological benefits. Athena Rising is a book for men about how to eliminate this problem by mentoring women deliberately and effectively.



Traditional notions of mentoring are modeled on male-to-male relationships, yet women often report a desire for mentoring that addresses their interpersonal needs. Women want mentors who not only understand this, but truly honor it. Coauthors W. Brad Johnson and David G. Smith present a straightforward, no-nonsense manual for men working in all types of institutions, organizations, and businesses to become excellent mentors to women, because as women succeed, lean in, and assume leading roles in any organization or work context, the culture will become more egalitarian, effective, and prone to retaining top talent.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

07/11/2016
First-time authors Johnson and Smith, both professors at the U.S. Naval Academy, hit a home run with this no-nonsense, timely guide that will benefit any man who wants to more effectively mentor or manage women in the workforce. Boldly stating that “traditionally masculine ‘command and control’ structures of hierarchical management are yesterday’s news,” and starting with a tutorial on self-awareness, the authors help the reader understand factors that harm women’s careers and interfere with productive mentoring or management relationships. Seeking to illustrate “pervasive and pernicious attitudes” in the workplace, they tackle the stereotypes of women being too nice or not assertive enough, the “double jeopardy” of racial and gender bias, and the role of maternity. Then, drawing on academic research as well as real-life stories from senior-level women in organizations such as Coca-Cola, Sodexo, KPMG, NASA, and various branches of the military, the authors offer practical ways for mentors to lead, interact with, and champion women so they can succeed. Filled with useful advice and backed up by academic research, this handbook should be on every male business leader’s reading list. (Sept.)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940177147925
Publisher:	Ascent Audio
Publication date:	02/25/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

Videos