Authority, Voice, and Influence for Women in Academia with Rena Seltzer

Even when women have titles and roles that confer authority, they are more likely to be interrupted, questioned, and challenged than their male colleagues. At the same time, speech and behavior that is considered appropriate for a man in leadership may be criticized as overly aggressive or intimidating when coming from a woman leader. Research on intersectional identities complicates the picture further, with people responding differently based on characteristics including perceived race, lgbtq+ status, ethnicity, and other differences. In this interactive workshop, participants will: 

1. Distinguish how speech patterns may be effective or ineffective depending on the expectations and patterns of the people with whom one is interacting. 

2. Practice holding one’s ground while maintaining professional presence. 

3. Identify communal and structural solutions to biased authority challenges. 

4. Use the technique of “stepping to their side” to disarm dissenters in discussing controversial topics.     

Wednesday, April 10, 2024
5:00-5:30 p.m. - Dinner/Networking
5:30-7:30 p.m. - Workshop

Rena Seltzer is a leadership and faculty coach and dynamic trainer with two decades of experience coaching academics across the span of their careers. Rena is the author of The Coach’s Guide for Women Professors: Who Want a Successful Career and a Well-Balanced Life. She coaches and presents professional development workshops for leaders and faculty members at universities including Yale, Harvard, the University of Michigan, Cornell University, Princeton University, and the University of Wisconsin, as well as the Academy of Management. Rena’s coaching and workshops are deeply influenced by her interest in supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion and by research in the field of positive organizational scholarship.  


 

Flora Stone Mather Center for Women | Website | View More Events

Contact the organizers