August 20, 2010

Dear Attendees,

It was a pleasure to have you join Unbound Ideas and Eileen McDargh for Dr. Marcia Reynold’s presentation, Keep Your Best Female Talent When the Economy Turns Around. Thank you for providing feedback and participating in the conversation.

This discussion was based on Marcia’s newest book, Wander Woman: How High Achieving Women Find Contentment and Direction.

Marcia’s research for her book began with a question: Why don’t more women hold executive positions? She found that the reasons were different today than they might have been for the previous generation.

This second generation of women leaders is responding to different expectations, motivations, opportunities, and circumstances. They are quite confident in what they can accomplish; have the ability to speak out; and also, most interestingly, have a restlessness that drives them to seek out more meaning in their lives and leave situations that are lacking in significance or new challenges. Money and titles are not the motivators; motion and meaning are.

After discussing the difference in motivations, Marcia went on to describe the Patty Principle – which suggests that women rise to a level of “tolerance” within a company, until they are frustrated with the lack of opportunities, challenges, and recognition. At that point, they know it’s time to move.

That movement doesn’t have to happen outside the company, and that is one secret to retaining top women talent. In addition, wander women need help in transitioning their leadership skills from the focus on strength and confidence.

Marcia then described at length the five signs of a wander woman which include:

1. overconfidence
2. constant need for new challenges
3. driven by recognition, loss of self
4. lack of contentment
5. belief that experience is the best teacher

Next Marcia discussed the ways that coaches, mentors, colleagues and managers can help turn such women around, channeling their strengths and approaches for the good of the organization and themselves.

Ultimately, wander woman want to see their work as meaningful; they want to have their value and contribution constantly affirmed; they need new challenges and a creative and collaborative environment.

The conversation between Marcia and Eileen was rich and insightful. While you wait for a copy of Marcia’s new book, she has provided a workbook for your use in gaining better understanding of yourself or your colleagues or your reports as wander women.

On behalf of Marcia Reynolds and Eileen McDargh, we thank you again for joining us, and look forward to the next occasion.

Warm Regards,
Unbound Ideas