We are delighted to be hosting the “Seat at the Table” Development Programme for a selected group of Senior Female Executives in September. We have called on leading experts in their fields to help address key challenges women can face en route to becoming tomorrow’s Chairmen and CEOs.
In this, the first in a series of FIDELIO TABLE TALK, we interview Robert Rowland Smith who was not only Prize Fellow at All Souls, Oxford but is also a best-selling author. He is able to draw on his academic work in the fields of psychoanalysis and philosophy as well as his extensive experience as a management consultant in exploring in leadership and organisational development. We asked him a number of questions ahead of his Models of Leadership session in the programme.
Fidelio: Why were you attracted by this Programme?
Robert: I think this Programme offers something unique. First, it is designed exclusively for women. Second it draws on an unusual mix of content that includes learning from both military strategy and from philosophy/psychology. Third, the venue of Sandhurst gives a very particular atmosphere that should encourage participants to think differently about the challenges they face.
Fidelio: What specific obstacles do you think senior female executives face as they move to the top of the organisation?
Robert: Disappointingly, there are still some discriminatory practices with instances of women being paid less or being overlooked for promotion. But there is a much broader issue. Women often move into offline or support roles which can keep them somewhat out of the mainstream of the organisation. And then many challenges exist at a societal rather than an organisational level- and these are much more difficult to tackle.
Fidelio: You’ve worked with leadership teams globally – do you think some sectors or countries are making particular progress?
Robert: In terms of the progress of women in organisations, it is useful to look where we see gender blindness. For example, in some dynamic younger companies. It’s less about industries or sectors per se, but the mentality that goes with start-ups and other young ventures, where the ‘all hands on deck’ approach means that gender is not an issue.
Fidelio: In your module you will deal with models of leadership as well as looking at Board and group dynamic. Is this material that can be taught? What takeaways can you give participants at the “Seat at the Table“?
Robert: Yes, I think that leadership can be taught. Generally, our behaviour flows from the theories that we hold about the world, so if we can change our theories, we can change our behaviour. I think participants will benefit by exploring given new frames of reference that will enable to see themselves reflected back in a more empowering way.
Fidelio: What can we learn from a philosopher which will help us strengthen the pipeline of Senior Female Executives?
Robert: Philosophy is a rational discipline, and in organisations, rationality is still prized a long way above the emotions. Rightly or wrongly, women are often thought of as more ‘emotional’ and by implication, less rational. I think philosophy can help both women and men improve their powers of argument and the clarity of their thinking. Ultimately, however, we want our leaders to have both EQ and IQ.
Fidelio: What will the impact of greater diversity be on Britain’s Boardrooms?
Robert: We know from all sorts of studies that diversity doesn’t just make for an inclusive culture. Crucially, it is the main source of innovation. So if we succeed, we will in theory have more innovative companies!
Robert Rowland Smith
Robert began his career as a Prize Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford and lectured internationally on philosophy, literature and psychoanalysis. Robert left Oxford to go into management consultancy and writing. Books include the bestselling Breakfast with Socrates (2009); Driving with Plato (2011); and The Reality Test (2013) which challenges what strategists and Boards should be asking with regard to corporate strategy. Robert’s focus is forging the crucial links between Boards and the broader needs of the business. He works closely with executive teams, bringing his wider fields of interest and experience to bear on strategic issues and helping them to develop innovative ideas and gain fresh perspectives on otherwise intractable challenges. Robert sits on the Board of the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology and is a faculty member of The School of Life and the London Graduate School.
About Fidelio Partners
Fidelio, the Board Development and Executive Search Consultancy will be hosting the Seat at the Table for a selected group of Senior Female Executive on 8th & 9th September 2015 at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. This Programme focusses on the personal and professional development of Senior Female Executives and prepares them for the critical transition to the most senior executive and non-executive roles within an organisation.
If you would like to learn more on the selection criteria for “A Seat at the Table” or if you have any questions please contact Kira Raebel on kraebel@fideliopartners.com or +44 (0) 20 7759 2200.