Female Vision: Women's Real Power at Work

Women and men experience the world differently—not only do they see things differently, but they see different things. Men tend to have a bottom line, sharply focused, linear way of thinking that excludes any role for emotion or empathy. Women are more empathetic, more aware of the critical impact of interpersonal factors both within and without the organization. Both perspectives are important, but at the moment organizations only reward traditionally male skills and points of view. Based on extensive research and workplace experience, The Female Vision demonstrates that what women perceive in organizations and beyond that goes unnoticed and unrewarded is exactly what so many companies need to succeed.  Helgesen and Johnson delve deeply into the stories of a number of women whose vision improved their companies—although often they had to struggle not only against unresponsive organizations, peers, or others, but also against their own personal fears. They show how companies can create environments that welcome and encourage women to share what they notice, to the benefit not only of the women themselves but also, perhaps ironically, to the all important bottom line.

Female vision is simply that: how women see the world, and then act upon those observations. Believing that the content and outlines of these perceptions are both different from that of men and less valued than men's, Halgesen and Johnson elaborate on the concept and show what proper regard for female vision would contribute to the workplace. In the book's three sections they cover: a thorough definition; particular beneficial traits such as the capacity for taking in a broader picture, the ability to regard day to day life fruitfully, the talent for placing work in a bigger context; lastly, how women can put their vision to more effective use and how businesses can support them in this. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Helgesen and Johnson delve into the stories of a number of women whose vision improved their companies and show how organizations can create environments that welcome women's perspectives.