Playing to Strength: Leveraging Gender at Work

Rather than focusing on how men and women differ, describes how to build a more productive work environment based on what men and women have in common. Second, unlike other books on the subject, is not an advice book for women employees, but a forward-thinking guide for managers and organizations who want to achieve the type of gender-balanced environment that brings out the best in both men and women. first looks at how the exaggerated focus on gender differences affects the workplace. It then provides a critical look at a number of current attempts to resolve gender-based conflict, promote fairness, and address gender segregation in the workplace—which efforts work and why, and which are likely a waste of time and money. The rest of the book offers detailed plans for building better gender balance at work, addressing such topics as gender-inclusive teams, mentoring programs, the role of middle managers, and employee resource groups.