When it comes to mentoring, women face more barriers than men. Here's how men can help change that.
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.
"Johnson and Smith 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 . . . Filled with useful advice and backed up by academic research, this handbook should be on every male business leader's reading list."
Publishers Weekly
"Through engaging insights from global leaders and practical tips for men, Smith and Johnson point out that when men are part of the solution--recognizing privilege and proactively championing gender equality within their organizations--that's when real change can occur."
Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst
"Athena Rising is written in a captivating style while providing a practical, step-by-step mentoring implementation plan to advance female stars in the workplace. It should be a must-read for male executive training."
