A news piece on CNN caught my eye this morning. Janet Hanson and her company 85 Broads seek to create and foster networks for women to mentor and support each other in business, learning and life. In addition to workplace programs, 85 Broads also has mini-internships, workshops, conferences and outreach programs for female students at the college and high school levels.
To me, all this sounds like a fantastic idea. As a man, it seems to me that women probably have a far better idea of what really helps women succeed and realize their full potential, and how to relay that information to other women. I hope this program really succeeds.
That being said, maybe it’s time for a similar coaching program for men. Not the “old boy’s network” type but one with similar goals and methods to help men reach *their* real potential. Many guys I know get complacent after reaching some goal or life situation, when they could be achieving much more. An effort like this for men might help shake them out of that, perhaps to become better men, both for themselves and for those around them. It’s worth thinking about.