8th-grade classmates to organize a recycling center and environmental education lighted in a Washington Post article on
classes in the 1970s. the banking industry’s missing gender
“I realized early on that when you work together, you can do anything,” balance. It led: “The first rumblings of
quips Gravitz. a gender revolution are underway in an
industry long controlled by men.”
Values Women Bring to the Table
Working together collaboratively is one of the distinguishing
Cultivating Long-term
qualities that women bring to the workplace. “Women encour- Perspective
age others to be involved in the decision-making process and
In an organization like Holistic Moms
view consensus as an important element in reaching a deci-
Network (HMN), founded by a handful
sion,” observes Gravitz. of mothers who yearned for the sup-
port and friendship of others parenting
Alisa Gravitz
Her list of other proven traits that women bring to the
arena of green activism includes: a holistic and integrative
outside the mainstream, gender balance
approach to problem solving; compassion, that translates into a sincere interest in
might be unexpected. Yet, according to
people; and a more encompassing view of stakeholders’ return on investment.
founder Nancy Massotto, the nonprofit’s
“Women ask questions not just because they want to know the story of the
120 chapters across the United States
human being behind the investment,” advises Gravitz, “but, because they care
and Canada counts many supportive
about more than the return on the dollar.”
fathers as members.
“Women are socialized to be listeners and view things re-
Massotto, who
lationally,” adds Dr. Linda Stillman, a specialist in cultural com-
jokes that her “Type
munication, interpersonal relations and gender issues. She also
A” personality helped
served as the permanent UN Nongovernmental Organization
her master the moun-
(NGO) representative for Soroptimist International, a volunteer
tains of work required
international women’s organization for international women’s
to take HMN from an
issues. Dr. Linda Stillman
Essex County, New
Stillman observes that women tend to approach leadership through their
Jersey network to a
Nancy Massotto
relationships. “Women converse to build connections and seek multiple options
nonprofit organization crisscrossing
before reaching decisions or taking action,” she explains. This behavior reflects
North America, remarks, “I don’t eas-
a more democratic and cautious approach to doing business, as recently high-
ily shy away from challenges; I am a
holistic mom, who birthed my children
at home, breastfed and raised them on
organic food. Thus, this work is almost
a calling.”
Massotto views her background
in research organizations, along with
her doctorate in political science and
teaching experience at several univer-
sities, as preparation for organizing
HMN. An educator who has always
worked on behalf of women, Massotto
observes that, even though all women
are not the same, the majority gener-
ally cultivates a long-term perspective
regarding the impact of their choices.
She remarks, “I see selflessness, particu-
larly by mothers who give of them-
selves, without wanting anything in re-
turn other than the satisfaction of doing
something that has a positive impact.”
Connecting with
others and building
consensus, as well
as practicing stew-
ardship and service
over self-interest,
are behaviors com-
Mary Evelyn Tucker
mon to women’s
egalitarian approach to leadership.
22
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