Confidence, “Authority,” and How Consumer Demands Influence HR
1) A recent blog post by Dan Pink got me thinking, so I wrote up an eBrandMarketing post about gender differences in confidence levels and who/what is considered an “authority.” Interestingly, this is the first time I’ve ever been able to use a story about my grandmother to demonstrate a point. (hmmm…) Here’s a clip:
“It’s worth thinking about just who is considered an “authority” for any
one person, on any particular topic, especially for marketers hoping to
influence those that influence the buyers of their brands. For example,
and in the case of traditionally male-dominated realms such as finance
or healthcare, women in their older years (say 70+) may be long-since
in the habit of deferring to “the man” on the topic.”
2) As I explore how gender relations in the personal realm influence what goes on in the business world and marketing, more specifically, I am on the lookout for the roots of corporate change (e.g. sustainability/environmental programs and flexible schedules were driven from the humans-as-employees on up to the top, not top down). When I read a recent article about some significant changes in how law firms are attracting and keeping employees, I had to reflect. My latest HuffingtonPost piece is where I did just that. Here’s an excerpt:
“You see, the average person has gotten very used to making more demands
of the brands he or she purchases, and — seeing how well that has
worked (Exhibit A: Wal-Mart’s emerging efforts toward sustainability
and organic food offerings…) — such behavior is also translating to
their careers. If a person can get brands to fit his or her life, why
not get their workplace to fit, as well?”
