Where do men go?
The Role of Men
Over the years we have seen the role of men evolve from the famous Camel Man and Peter Stuyvesant ads, to the metrosexual man in touch with his feminine side, to the current trends of beard grooming oils and waxes.
The role and identity of men are changing in this modern world we live in. A decade ago we would never have seen men taking on the role of the stay at home dad, nor would we have seen rugby and cricket teams wearing pink in support of breast cancer.
Whilst this is all good and well in the transformation of gender roles, gender stereotyping and gender equality, where do men go when it comes to personal growth and development?
Let’s be honest, we as women get acknowledged daily in many ways ranging from women’s day, women’s month, 16 Days of Activism, women networking forums, book clubs and so much more.
Women have had outlets for centuries where they go to seek support, discuss their feelings and any emotional challenges they are facing in their circles of trust.
Where do men go?
But where do men go when it comes to improving their skills, knowledge and insights as well as share their own knowledge and skills with like-minded people?
Traditionally it has been in places such as the golf course or even the local pub, but these places are making way for modern platforms and social activities such as cycling, sporting clubs, mountain biking and the likes thereof.
There was also a time when an MBA was considered the essential badge of honour in order to progress up the corporate ladder but today many are starting to question the real value an MBA holds.
Like women, the majority of men want to create a meaningful impact in their careers and family. Many strive to live a life of significance and ultimately leave a legacy of their impact on their families and society at large by becoming a better person, partner and leader.
The Role of Men and Leadership
Traditionally a leader was seen as someone high up the ranks leading a large corporation or changing the world.
“The definition of leadership: the action of leading a group of people or an organization; the state or position of being a leader; the leaders of an organization, country, etc.”
Today, you don’t need a fancy job title to be a leader. Leadership comes from within, just as change comes from within. We are all leaders in our own right – whether that be as the head of our families, within our communities or churches, in the workplace or the various groups and forums we may belong to.
Programs and Platforms for men
As a result of this evolution, we are starting to see male specific forums and platforms being established to help men have a voice and conversations with each other around topics such as fatherhood, leadership, parenting and personal growth and development for example: The Fatherhood Foundation founded by Zane Meas, The Mankind Project, and the Mancave Mastermind Program a 6 month personal growth and transformation for men.
These programs provide insights, tools and skills through shared learning and group participation on a variety of topics such as goal setting, overcoming setbacks, personal relationships, leadership and mentorship traits, work/life balance, problem solving and more.
These programs are aimed at men who are looking for new ways to reach their potential by making significant shifts to ultimately improve their personal and professional lives.
It may have been a male dominated world until recently, but as more women forge their way in the world, men are looking for ways to evolve themselves with this changing dynamic and landscape as to their own identity, the roles they fulfill and the legacy they want to leave behind.
Paula Quinsee is a Relationship Expert, speaker and author of the self-help guide Embracing Conflict. Paula works with individuals and organisations to cultivate healthy relationships in both personal and professional arenas by focusing on personal growth and development.