3 Ways To Support The Working Moms On Your Team

3 Ways To Support The Working Moms On Your Team Want to be a workplace that truly supports motzu sichbeis? That begins with getting buy-in from employees in key supervisory positions. If thats you and youre reading this, were making progressIts true, every workplace is different, just as the needs of every working mom on your team is different. So you wont find a one-size-fits-all prescription here (and trust me, you dont want one). Rather, Ill be delving into some of the larger themes of mama-positive management strategies that Ive found have worked for me, both as a working mom and a business owner. Lets dive inAsk HerI know what youre thinking. Duh, Lisa. However, what might seem like a no brainer is often dismissed. If youve got a working mom on the team, set aside some time to ask her what works best for her. What works for one mama wont necessarily work for another. Dont assume that shell want increased flexibility or greater work from home capabilities. She might find it easie r to reinforce the boundaries between home and work life if she maintains a more structured office-based day, and prefer to work in that manner.The same goes for celebrations of motherhood. Too often Ive seen corporate baby showers thrown during office hours with little to no warning given to the mother-to-be. Celebrations are awesome, but only when the celebrant is in the know. After your expecting coworker has delivered her baby news to you, ask her how (and if) shed like to tell the rest of the team.Champion HerWomen are notorious for systematically undervaluing our skills, especially at work. Were here to do the work, do it well and get it done. Were also incredible advocates when it comes to recognizing and encouraging talent in those around us, but self-advocating? Lets just say were getting better.In the meantime, look to your team and help them vocalize their worth. Whether it be a compliment on a project, anappreciationfor their work ethic, or just a simple job well done Do nt let your admiration build up until performance review time, be a champion for your working mamas throughout the work cycle.Make aya youre also championing your working mom even when shes not in the room. If shes the perfect fit for a big new client - mention her If she would make a great speaker at your next conference - recommend her If she deserves a raise - talk numbers A cheerleader takes energy, but a champion takes action.Amplify HerMake sure that your working mamas ideas are attributed to her. Theres been a renewed awareness for genderedintellectual misattribution, especially in the workplace. If men repeat the same sentiment as their female coworkers, theyre more likely to do it louder, and more likely to get credit for the original thought.As a manager, you can help combat this phenomenon by ensuring that credit is given to the working mothers on your team where credit is due. When a mama pipes in with a fresh perspective, take a second to acknowledge and attribute her i dea to her, Awesome Kelly, that might be exactly the solution were looking for. Or if you notice misattribution happening further into a conversation, reel it back in with a simple, I really like the way youve built off of Kellys thoughts here.It doesnt take very long, but will make a noticeable difference in the visibility of your working mamas contributions to your team.Perhaps these are little things, but to the working mamas - me and so many others Ive worked alongside - the effect is immense. Plus, the effect amplifies as recipients are encouraged to do these very things to the mamas coming up behind them.--Lisa Durante is a Toronto-based working mama who believes in the power of AND. She offers real life insights and practical solutions that you can use to prepare for babys arrival as well as your life as a working mama.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer