Lean In
Back in 2017 I wrote an email about Lean In. This was prompted by being asked to contribute to an Auckland committee meeting to add my thoughts and ideas to a couple of topics they were addressing.
We talked about increasing diversity within the groups and in particular how Lean In can appeal to those more experienced and advanced in their careers. It was a great chat including talking about my experiences and interactions with the group and we discussed ideas on how Lean In could expand in Auckland and New Zealand.
I was also conscious that a number of people I know hadn’t then heard of Lean In. Since that email back in 2017, lots has happened and it's still an organisation I'm involved with and yes, brought to front of mind by being asked to support with some of the Auckland wide activities.
So for you now, the updated guide to Lean In - the 2020 version.
Lean In is a worldwide community that was started by Sheryl Sandberg following her TED talk in 2010 - 'Why we have too few women leaders and then her book Lean In: Women, Work and the will to Lead that was published in 2013. The Lean in mission is to help women achieve their ambitions and work to create an equal world.
"We want a world where people of every gender can pursue their dreams without bias or other barriers holding them back. Where girls grow up to be confident, resilient leaders. Where more women run companies and countries. We are driven by the belief our society and economy would be better if women and girls were valued as equal to men and boys."
One of things that I like about Lean In is the way it is organized and structured. From the international worldwide organisation to the very local group with you as a member. That there is a connection and support across the world that flows between all the levels. At the very local level there is what is called a Lean In circle. A circle is a group of women coming together regularly to support, learn and build each other up. A chapter is a group of circles in a particular location. There are 44,000 circles in 170 countries.
For me, I am part of the Auckland Chapter. I was in a wonderful circle of women who had a clear intent around taking the next step in our careers. That circle has run its course we achieved our purpose in a number of ways and I could well be on the look- out for starting a new circle.
What did I get from being in a circle? A group of amazing women who share stories from their lives and their work experiences. We take turns to lead the monthly session - which is a safe supportive environment to test facilitation and presenting skills. Some months we have particular topics, sometimes one of us has a particular issue that they want to share. Gaining insights, empathy and usually a way forward. We covered conflict resolution, goal setting, finding our voice, determining our values. The topics were what we wanted to cover and felt able to lead and discuss based on our strengths. There are great resources and plans for circles on the Lean In website. In never feels like you're doing it alone.
In Sheryl's book the message I heard was very much about our individual actions and choices we make on a daily basis. She articulates that message with no judgement. I read the book when I was a charge nurse and some of her messages were very pertinent for how to manage a predominantly female workforce, who are often the caregiver and child support of the family as well as potentially the main income earner. How easy do we make it for people to work flexible hours, work from home or take extended leave. I know I can do better, and I know we can do better.
The idea of 'sitting at the table' was one that resonated with me. That idea of getting in the room, sitting at the table and being part of the conversation - before you feel ready too - that boost of courage to be part of what is going on. This idea has certainly sat with me in my career since I read about it. If you recall my email from last week and the challenges that I believe nurses face in terms of getting to the table and being heard.
Yes, this is about feminism, equality and women in the workplace but this is not about ignoring or sidelining men rather it is about how we are all in this together and are a part of how we all bring our best selves to create our lives and a better world. That message as part of the Lean In work has got clearer and stronger over the recent years.
The resources available via the website are pretty cool; Lean In Education is a good starting point. I particularly like the resources aimed at how we support each other. Having recently read Womankind, the pointers and practical steps we can take to support each other resonated - I love the phrase - be a workplace ally. This sits well with my philosophy that in healthcare we are all in this together. It's not a competition - I hope we all make it - because we are all in this for incredible reasons.
Lean In is about building connections, not networking as such, more of creating strength structures for us all to thrive. A new podcast series has been released - Lean in Voices by Lean In New Zealand.
My impression of Lean In before I have the courage to turn up at a meeting was that this would be a group of high flying, super smart business women who all had it together. I put off attending a meetings for ages after joining online. At one of the earliest meetings though - before our circles had properly formed - I realised I had something to offer this group as well as to gain from being part of this community. That is what is great about Lean In. There is something to gain and something to give. You'll experience both in you get involved.
