21st Century Leadership in the "Liminal Space"

Beyond Stephen Hawking's World Economic Forum speech, one of the most fascinating bits of knowledge that I acquired in 2015 came through Dr. Jedidah Isler, a Yale Astrophysicist. For her award-winning study of supermassive black holes, Dr. Isler was awarded a PhD from Yale in the fall of 2014 - and she is the only African-American female astrophysicist in Yale's 312 year history. She is quite rare.

Dr. Isler may be more rare than the supermassive black holes that she studies and she proved it by delivering an insightful and very necessary message in her latest TED Talk. She opened up about the subject of "liminal space" - better known as the intersection between things. I listened intently because I was learning something new.

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Great things happen at intersections. In fact, I would argue that some of the most interesting things of the human experience occur at the intersections, in the liminal space...the space in between. There's freedom in that in-between, freedom to create from the indefiniteness of not-quite-here, not-quite-there, a new self-definition

- Dr. Jedidah Isler, Yale Astrophysicist

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During liminal periods across all dimensions certainty becomes increasingly uncertain until a new level of certainty is re-established. Likewise what was once known may dissolve into new levels of unknowns until something new emerges. Individuals who love to explore and innovate will find the unknowns intriguing while others who love certainty will become increasingly uncomfortable.

Does this sound like where we are today?

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… [liminal space] is when you have left the tried and true, but have not yet been able to replace it with anything else.  It is when you are between your old comfort zone and any possible new answer. If you are not trained in how to hold anxiety, how to live with ambiguity, how to entrust and wait, you will run…anything to flee this terrible cloud of unknowing

 -Richard Rohr, Roman Catholic OFM and Author

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Collectively we're in the "liminal space" where uncertainty lives. We're at the intersection of things - between international and trans-national, between established cultures and social network tribes, straddling ideologies and ideas, between injustice and social justice, jobless growth and social entrepreneurship, and many more opposing dimensions. A small sample of "liminal space" dimensions are captured in the diagram.

What dimensions would you add to the list?

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2016 promises to be another year in 21st century "liminal space" - somewhere between here and there - "somewhere". 

It can be difficult to find meaningful anchors while the "terrible cloud of unknowing" is upon us. Yet that's exactly what 21st century leaders must do. Leaders must hold on and find new norms while inspiring others to do the same.

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While in the "liminal space" - limit the time you spend with people who limit their thinking; for surely people who limit their thinking will also try to limit yours

-Lillian Gregory, The Institute for Human and Leadership Excellence

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What does 21st Century Leadership look like in the "liminal space"?

Individuals who have already adopted 21st century paradigms of leadership will find it easier to hold on in the "liminal space". Holding on is not the same as standing still. There are always new definitions to write, new visions to clarify, new people to meet, new places to explore, new innovations to create, new strategies to develop, and new legacies to build. 

While leadership in general is both art and science, 21st century leadership in the "liminal space" is simultaneously uncertain and intriguing. There are few simple formulas left to follow and the best is yet to come - so let's roll up our sleeves and keep moving forward.

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Simple Formula for 21st Century Leadership in the "Liminal Space"

• [Step 1]  Treat your mind and body with respect
• [Step 2]  Feed your mind daily with meaningful content
• [Step 3]  Align yourself with growth-minded individuals
• [Step 4]  Redefine or refine your vision and clarify your purpose
• [Step 5]  Hold on to your vision and your purpose - execute daily
• [Step 6]  Build and leverage your social capital
• [Step 7]  Reach out, support, and inspire others

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These steps along with I-Core Principles help me to navigate the "liminal space".

Do you have a comparable formula or list of guiding principles? If so I'd love to hear all about it. Share your insights by commenting, liking, or sharing. 

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Happy New Year - and let's keep climbing!

A Message from Stephen Hawking: "It can be done"

While engaged in morning review of news feeds on current events and new technologies, I stumbled upon a gem so compelling that I had to pause and look for a transcript so I could post it. I didn't find one so I transcribed the message myself.

Stephen Hawking delivered this impactful and inspirational message at the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting as part of the session on Sustainable Development: A Vision for the Future. I have heard it once before, but today it meant even more to me as the challenges that we face become ever clearer every day. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Summit takes place in New York on September 25 - 27. The focus is Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

We owe it to ourselves, our children, our countries, our communities, and our planet to pay close attention.

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Stephen Hawking's Hopes for Humanity

The reason I am talking to you today is to add my voice to those who want immediate action on the key challenges that face our global community.

I hope that in 2015 people with power can show creativity, courage, and leadership. Let them rise to the challenge of the Sustainable Development Goals and act - not out of self-interest but of common interest. 

I am very aware of the preciousness of time. Seize the moment. Act now.

I have spent my life traveling across the universe inside my mind. Through Theoretical Physics I have sought to answer some of the great questions. But there are other challenges, other big questions which must be answered and these will also need a new generation who are interested, engaged, and with an understanding of science.

How will we feed an ever growing population, provide clean water, generate renewable energy, prevent and cure disease, and slow down global climate change?

I hope that science and technology will provide the answers to these questions. But it will take people, human beings with knowledge and understanding to implement these solutions.

One of the great revelations of the Space Age has been the perspective it has given humanity on ourselves. When we see the earth from space, we see ourselves as a whole. We see the unity and not the divisions. It is such a simple image with a compelling message. One planet. One human race.

We are here together and we need to live together with tolerance and respect. We must become Global Citizens. Our only boundaries are the way we see ourselves. The only borders, the way we see each other.

I have been enormously privileged through my work to be able to contribute to our understanding of the universe but it would be an empty universe indeed if it were not for the people I love and who love me. Without them the wonder of it all would be lost on me.

Let us fight for every woman and every man to have the opportunity to live healthy, secure lives, full of opportunity and love. 

We are all time travelers, journeying together into the future. But let us work together to make that future a place we want to visit.

Be brave, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done.

Author: Stephen Hawking

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How To Prevent "Double Jeopardy" From Jeopardizing Your Success

Double-jeopardy is attached and it's not the legal kind...

Several weeks ago I read a great LinkedIn article by Marianne Cooper that highlighted findings on gender bias in STEM fields. The focus of the article was a report published by Tools for Change in STEM which confirmed that gender bias does in fact exist in STEM fields. 

While I'm grateful that the study was performed and that Marianne brought additional visibility to the topic, I thought to myself - why do I need a study to validate what I already know to be true? 

Then I read (and reread) many of the details.

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The current body of social psychological work on gender bias has focused almost exclusively on the experiences of White women...

Double-Jeopardy? Gender Bias Against Women in Science (pg. 4)

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When I read that statement, I was glued to the report for the duration. I had to know more about what women of all types were revealing. For certain my personal and professional experiences would mirror those expressed by 60 scientists almost verbatim regardless of race or color, right? Almost - the report at once confirmed my experiences and enlightened me about how difficult this topic can be to examine.

Please Note!

The study's findings warrant a detailed examination by all professional women who are either just beginning their careers or who are well-underway - along with their leaders. While the study focuses on STEM careers, these same types of challenges are experienced in other professions as well. 

Because of reports like this one, today's career women have new opportunities to prepare effectively before they have to do battle as STEM leaders. It's a battlefield out there and that fact shouldn't be understated. Everyone should know what they're facing - and then do it anyway.

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You have to be okay with being ostrasized in every way

Double-Jeopardy? Gender Bias Against Women in Science (pg. 48)

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Though there are many efforts in progress to improve professional workplaces, there's a need for everyone in leadership to roll up their (our) sleeves and do whatever they (we) can to help resolve these challenges post haste.

As was so eloquently stated by Alibaba's CEO Jack Ma, "...one of the secrets of our success is that we have a lot of women." Many leaders and reports continue to point out that success in the 21st century requires more women actively engaged everywhere - especially in STEM. 

The 21st century keeps calling. Are we going to answer for gender equality in STEM or are we sending the call to voice mail? I predict that we will continue to answer the call.


Double-Jeopardy Bias Patterns Defined

Four STEM field bias patterns were examined (plus a short mention of sexual harassment) against the back drop of previous and current research. Bias categories include:

• [1] Prove-It-Again
• [2] The Tightrope
• [3] The Maternal Wall
• [4] Tug of War
• [5] Sexual Harrassment (mentioned)

[1] Prove-It-Again refers to the persistent need to reinforce one's competence and capabilities even though both have already been consistently demonstrated.

[2] The Tightrope is that space between exhibiting caretaker behavior on the one hand and standing up for one's self on the other.

[3] The Maternal Wall occurs when a woman's commitment to her job responsibilities is questioned after motherhood even if she keeps up with her duties while managing her family.

[4] Tug of War highlights that both women and men show bias against women in male dominated fields and situations.

[5] Sexual Harrassment (mentioned) as legally defined simply must not be tolerated. Period.

So what is double-jeopardy in the STEM context?

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Definition of STEM double-jeopardy:

Risk or disadvantage incurred from two sources simultaneously as in race and gender or race and age or gender and age

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Resolution? Metrics-Driven Bias Interruptors

Recommendations in the report include the implementation of Metrics-Driven Bias Interruptors (see pg. 49 of the report) along with best-practices in recruitment, hiring, promotions, and tenure activities. These are sound ways to move forward in any organization or company, but can often take a while for results to show. After you review the report, encourage your teams and leaders to do the same in order to leverage its insights to build bridges towards the future.

While there is still much more to be done everywhere, the U.S. is currently positioned at 20 of 142 countries benchmarked according to the Global Gender Gap Index with a score of 0.746. Index categories include:

• [1] Economic Participation and Opportunity
• [2] Educational Attainment
• [3] Health and Survival
• [4] Political Empowerment

Source: Global Gender Gap Report 2014 (pg. 364)

Okay - now that we have reports, numbers, perspectives, and context - what's next? We use the insights to build bridges towards successful outcomes.

I started out in male-dominated fields because I was interested in male-dominated subjects and no one stopped me - at least not for long. As a child I loved to play with bugs and mud pies in the back yard or I would examine squishy things in creek beds close to our home. Dad would often say to me "act like a lady" if I was climbing a tree or doing something else that was considered boyish. That's exactly what I was doing. I was acting like a STEM lady by exploring the world around me. 

I was curious about the inner workings of things so whenever I got a chance I would probe. I haven't stopped probing since and I never will. One has to be firm in their commitment to make a difference in STEM - or in any area of their choosing. 

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We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves 

We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained

Marie Curie, First Woman to Win Nobel Prize (Only 2-Time Winner)

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How To Prevent Double-Jeopardy from Jeopardizing Your Success

If you're considering a role in a STEM field or are already in one, you're doing your part so here are some ways to prevent double-jeopardy from jeopardizing your success.

• [1] Prove-It-Again and Again - Do what you love and love what you do! There's a tremendous price to pay for shying away from an area because others don't want you there. If your passion and talents lead you to a specific field - scientific or otherwise, go there with all due haste. #YOLO (you only live once)! Surround yourself with a positive team of influencers, sponsors, mentors, coaches, and supporters who will help you to navigate. Don't go it alone! Make your success in STEM a team effort.

• [2] Walk the Tightrope Backwards and in High Heels - Nurture strong positive attributes such as assertiveness, confidence, kindness, and ambition daily. Focus on your career trajectory and on being a positive influence on and with others. "Square off" when necessary if someone is being beligerant or deliberately jerkish to you. Otherwise play nice in the STEM sand box, but don't allow others to walk on you.

• [3] Build Bridges Across The Maternal Wall - Becoming a mother doesn't guarantee you a sideline seat unless that's what you want. Evaluate your circumstances and make the best choices for you, for your child(ren), and for your family. If the company where you work doesn't support you having or raising valuable human beings, then find a new company! Better yet, build a new one.

• [4] Get On The Right Side of The Tug of War Rope - Working with women (or men) can be frought with challenges if there are feelings of insecurity in the mix. When it comes to gender strength, team up with professional women to build strong "pink links" and expand your network based on your strategic plan. Don't have a strategic plan? Build one. Know your game and play it well. Let others play their own game.

• [5] Don't Tolerate Sexual Harrassment - Period. End of story. Document, report, and move on if the issues aren't resolved right away in any environment where you find yourself. It may be a financial or professional inconvenience, but what price can you put on your self-worth or on your physical well-being? Remember your career will be over some day, but you will still be you.

Alrighty then - it's time to move forward. Lace 'em up and get ready for the climb! It won't be easy, but then nothing worthwhile ever is.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my article. If you would like to read more, just click on this link. Leave your relevant comments in the section below and let's keep the dialog going.

Under STEMulated

Technology is neutral.

 

 

It doesn't care who or where you are. If you have viable Internet access via any type of device, then you can participate in this brave new world. Yet there is a strange and persistent gap among males and females in STEM fields. Never mind that males and females use technology at the same rates - the creative thinkers, researchers, engineers, developers, builders, and owners of this brave new world are mostly male.

As a concerned STEM professional and mother of a young daughter, I went digging for details earlier this year and captured what I learned in an infographic - Women in Technology - The Pipeline Challenge.

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There are two equalizers in life - the Internet and education

John Chambers, Cisco CEO

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There are three main choke points where STEMulation is being impacted for:

• (1) School Girls
• (2) College Women
• (3) Professional Women

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The Pipeline Challenge

• (1) School Girls - Research shows that School Girls often pick up negative queues from their mothers about STEM topics - especially math - as early as four years old. They then enter school where a lack of confidence begins to get reinforced as teachers call on boys more often than girls. Some teachers may also express their own weakness about STEM topics - especially math. It's usually around puberty when girls turn off to the idea of becoming a technology nerd or geek due to peer pressure.

• (2) College Women - College Women often come to campus with built-in baggage from early childhood, schools, and social environments. By the time they choose a major, less than 5% show an early interest in STEM programs. The others may have sworn off those programs as too hard or too nerdy. They may have also observed their mothers' career choices and results. Though over 50% of all college graduates are female, fewer than 25% of STEM degrees will be awarded to College Women.

• (3) Professional Women - Professional Women are faced with yet another layer of challenges as they step into the workforce. While women deliver a majority of the working hours, they hold onto a small percentage of senior leadership roles. The STEM pipeline challenge is even more dire as the number of female leadership candidates in STEM companies is miniscule. One female entrepreneur cited that the journey to the C-Suite can take 30 years! Many ambitious, brilliant Professional Women in STEM fields will retire or leave long before the traditional C-Suite becomes a "possibility" for them.

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Let's talk about solutions...

There are so many more insights to share and you're probably thinking - what can I do to help? Here's what you can do right now with very little effort:

• (1) School Girls - If you have doubts about your strength in science, technology, engineering, or math - DO NOT share those feelings with School Girls! Whether you're the parent or not, know that they are listening!!! Let them know that anything is possible if they put their minds to it. Also help to connect them with strong 'Near Peers' who can provide positive STEMulation.

• (2) College Women - Encourage College Women to find and participate in STEMulating activities around campus. These activities may include something as simple as helping to set up STEM exhibits or connecting with campus 'nerds' during open events. Push them outside of their comfort zones (whatever they may be!) and help them to build new interests in STEM. Show them how by doing it yourself. Emphasize that 'nerds' rule the world!

• (3) Professional Women - Standard advice is to team up with professional mentors or sponsors. This is sound advice and always will be. Add in a Life Coach as well. Determine what you need to get from the relationships and evaluate what you're willing to give before you begin the screening process. Remember that it's not all about you! Mentors, sponsors, and coaches may need reciprocal support as well. Also, find ways to share or incorporate your skills into multi-disciplinary STEMulating activities in professional associations and community organizations.

 

Projections from U.S. Department of Education

 

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STEM Resources

 

STEM professionals and parents with daughters have an important role to play and undoubtedly are hard at work on solutions. There are countless programs and support systems available. Yet it's difficult to know which ones hold the most promise. If you're stuck, here are three programs per category to get you STEMulated:

• (1) School Girls - i2Camp, Space Center Houston, Junior Achievement
• (2) College Women - T-STEM, STEM-ED, Best STEM Colleges for Women
• (3) Professional Women - STEMConnector, WIT, NAPW

While every woman and girl (man or boy) will not develop an interest in pursuing a STEM degree, there is a great need for everyone to understand the impact of STEM on their lives and livelihoods - and how their contributions fit into the STEM landscape...

 

So let's get STEMulated!

What do you think can or should be done about Women in Technology - The Pipeline Challenge?

If You Have a Weak Stomach or Fear of Future, Then Don't Read This!

WARNING! If you have a weak stomach or a fear of the future, then don't read this! However, if you want to explore where our collective intelligence has taken us, then grab a beverage or your favorite snack and indulge.

I'm deeply passionate about the integration of technology and humanity. I'm also deeply concerned about the impact of technology on jobs and livelihoods near term and beyond. Everyday I make an effort to research and share at least one tidbit of compelling information with my readers in these areas.  Inevitably I find something new - new to me, newly created, new perspectives on something old - or something just plain crazy. That's what the documentary below is to me - new, compelling, crazy, and wow (aka scary)!

We're pushing boundaries at unprecedented rates and our awareness hasn't yet caught up to what we're collectively capable of. It's fascinating and at times simply unbelievable. I stumbled on this documentary while exploring STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programs across the U.S. The focus of my research is to determine effective ways to break down barriers in STEM for women and girls - and to find out how I can help.

The U.S. is not ready and the alternatives are deeply troubling.

• 69% of high school graduates are not prepared for college-level science
• 54% of high school graduates are not prepared for college-level math
• 4% of bachelor's degrees awarded in the U.S. are in engineering, China 31%
• 40% of men with STEM degrees practice in their field compared to 26% of women 
• 92% of all U.S. STEM jobs will require post-secondary education by 2018
• 23% of STEM workers are women though women are 48% of the workforce
• 4% of workers in STEM careers create jobs for the 96% of workers in other fields
• 30% of middle school science teachers did not major in science and are not certified to teach it

Don't look away! If you don't like the view, explore what you can do as a professional in your field to help change it. After all - it's our collective futures on the line.