About the Book
This book is for all men who work with women, those who have questions in the wake of the #MeToo movement and a wave of sexual harassment claims, and those who would benefit from increased awareness of the challenges that many women face at work. Men are asking what's okay in the workplace now, and this book provides those answers. It provides reassurance that, despite the vitriol of the past year, men should not step away from working with women out of fear of being accused of something or because they see them as risky. That would be a step in the wrong direction in achieving our common goal of making our workplaces more welcoming to a diverse population.
The book is a quick read, focused on takeaways, not on regurgitating facts and figures. The goal is for men to have more comfortable interactions with their female colleagues. Despite the large amount of ink that has been spilled, men and women can work productively together, really enjoy each other's company, and develop collegial relationships that last a lifetime.
The book addresses topics such as communication, innuendo, humor, discrimination, management, sexual harassment, social occasions, and romance. It also includes ways that men can check themselves for sexism and ways to test their companies for systemic bias and the appearance of favoritism in compensation, hiring practices, assignment of duties, and the selection of vendors.
Review :
"In our current interconnected and interdependent work environment, all teammates need to feel supported, encouraged and valued to go higher together. This is equally true for how men and women work together, both laterally and vertically. With What's a Guy to Do? Jennifer Crittenden addresses these very real and very sensitive topics in a candid and easily understood manner that will also have you laughing out loud even if you might recognize yourself in a description or two. If learning to work better with women is your goal, this book is your answer."
Keith Ferrazzi, author of the #1 NY Times Bestseller Who's Got Your Back and Never Eat Alone
"This is the honest and private conversation men have been waiting for. You can't afford to miss out on this important advice, both practical and nuanced."
Julie Kantor, CEO, Twomentor LLC
"Jennifer Crittenden's frank guide offers level-headed advice for those seeking to build a diverse workplace. Too often this laudable goal has been subsumed by highly divisive debate, leaving those who need to effect change disheartened, confused, or conflicted. Crittenden's voice is therefore a welcome one: her boots-on-the-ground advice is both blunt and wise, having the tone of a pragmatic older sibling rather than a sanctimonious parent. Even where it is stern, her guide is uplifting; yes, the challenges of achieving a diverse workplace are real, but the path there is simpler than we might have realized in that it demands of us most of all an emphasis on our universal values like decency and integrity."
Bryan Cantrill, Chief Technology Officer, Joyent
"Ever catch yourself saying (or thinking) "Can't you take a joke?" or "Must be shark week"? This book will teach you how and why not to be That Guy. Even if you think you are totally woke, specific examples will make you re-evaluate your behavior and help you up your Good Guy game. Ms. Crittenden has been there, done that, and her experience is up-to-the-minute. Let this book be the mentor you should have been so lucky to have. When people are taking names, make sure yours isn't on the list."
Andrew Duncan, programmer, musician, teacher
"It's absolutely necessary for companies to tackle the challenge of hiring and cultivating a diverse workforce by first changing themselves. It starts with creating a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone can do their best work. This book shows us how to all be better allies, so we can achieve greater results together."
Tom Gilmour, Sr. Engineering Manager, LinkedIn
"A practical, enjoyable, and easy-to-read guide to a sometimes confusing and rapidly-changing environment. Filled with plain-spoken examples for how people should treat each other--naturally, respectfully, and focused, irrespective of gender or other irrelevant traits. The author challenges all of us by providing a balanced, realistic, and even humorous approach to a serious subject. Jennifer shows us all how to be more trusting, more respectful, and more productive by doing the right thing."
Daniel J. Adams, Senior Vice President, Business Banking, Wells Fargo Bank
"It took me nearly 40 years to learn and put into practice what Jennifer has artfully condensed into these few pages. A lot has changed since then... and a lot has not. Open mockery and harassment may be taboo; however, it is extremely clear from the #MeToo movement that the bad behavior is hiding behind a thin veil of political correctness--or an office door. What's a Guy To Do? provides anyone with a trove of tools to tear down biases in our workplaces. This is a must read."
Todd C. Williams, President, eCameron, Inc.
