Playing to Strength

"Alice Adams' book Playing to Strength: Leveraging Gender at Work takes a fresh look at traditional gender stereotypes in the workplace. Her research shatters the myth of perceived gender differences and focuses on gender inclusion. As a diversity professional, this book serves as a valuable tool for advancing diversity initiatives and defusing gender bias in the workplace." -- Victoria Chester, Manager of Corporate Diversity & Inclusion at Highmark, Inc. "I enjoyed the book because it caused me to stop and to seriously consider what was being said. I couldn't just sit and turn the pages, knowing we were in constant agreement and that the choir was being preached to. I found myself rereading sections and asking myself what do I think and how do I feel about what I was reading? Perhaps what was most compelling for me is the way Alice unfolds the case for inclusion with a direct confrontation in some of the easily digestible and popular assumptions we make about gender differences. In so doing, it becomes obvious how important it is to expand the narrow band of acceptable behaviors the sexes get boxed into. I will also tell you that after reading this book, I am reaffirmed in my efforts to avoid that either/or thinking, especially as it relates to gender. I also like the gender education proposals, but I think the objectives could use some work if we are going to drive towards organizational change. If this is just for awareness, then they are fine." -- Ralph E. deChabert, CDO, Brown-Forman "Every corporate executive should read Playing to Strength: Leveraging Gender at Work. It is like holding a mirror up to corporate culture. When he or she recognizes themselves, the opportunity to make significant changes might actually occur and corporate America will be better for it." -- Randy Meg Kammer, VP, Regulatory Affairs and Public Policy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Florida, Inc "Alice Adams has done a masterful job in presenting cogent and challenging insights to create gender fairness in the workplace. Traditional approaches are not working. This is a must-read for management and HR professionals who are serious about building trust and leadership credibility in their organization." -- Frank McCloskey, VP, Diversity, Georgia Power "Overall I found the book to be very insightful, engaging, and a real enhancement to our corporate gender initiative. There were so many valuable takeaways along with exceptional 'how to' ideas and practical keys to obtaining organizational workforce gender success. Every leader should read this book and make it required reading for their leadership team!" -- Wanda Brackins, Managing Director - Director, Diversity & Inclusion, RBC Wealth Management

This book offers a new approach for helping managers and organizations make better, more productive use of both men and women at work-an approach based on what they have in common, not on what some think divides them.

This book offers a new approach for helping managers and organizations make better, more productive use of both men and women at work—an approach based on what they have in common, not on what some think divides them.

Rather than focusing on how men and women differ, Playing to Strength: Leveraging Gender at Work 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, Playing to Strength 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.

Playing to Strength 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.

• Appendices include a case study of gender in the corporate world, a sample gender inclusion plan, and experiential accounts of gender dynamics in the workplace