I read THIS article today, and as much as I consider myself enlightened (can I say “woke” without sounding like an old man trying to be cool?), it struck me how much this applies to me as well. And I took a few solid, actionable ideas from this.
1. It is super easy to see when other people are mansplaining in a meeting, talking over others, or simply monopolizing thew conversation. It is much tougher to recognize yourself doing it. I don’t think I work as hard as I should to make sure everyone gets an opportunity (and feels encouraged) to speak, or to amplify the voices of those who are less vocal.
2. I have been lucky to be invited to speak on numerous panels, and have organized some myself. Not once have I ever protested a biased panel, and I dont think I have paid as much attention as I should to insuring diverse panels that I organized.
3. I could not say it better than the wonderful Mika McKinnon (you should start following her right now on twitter @mikamckinnon):
“Intervene when you see bullshit. Use what power you have to call out poor behaviour, and offer target validation & support.”
Go read this - trust me, it is worth your time! https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/voices/how-men-can-help-women-in-stem-shut-up-sit-back-and-listen/