5 Ways Male Leaders Can Support Underrepresented Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries: Insights from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff

In today's world, many underrepresented groups exist in male-dominated industries such as technology, finance, and engineering. Supporting and encouraging underrepresented leaders is essential for these industries to thrive and evolve. Here are five ways leaders can support and empower underrepresented leaders in male-dominated industries, with examples from Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.

About the Book

'Urgent and compelling' Richard Branson
'The gold standard on how to use business as a platform for change' Ray Dalio
For too long, many have felt that business focuses too much on profit and not enough on its responsibilities, but now in Trailblazer, Innovator of the Decade Marc Benioff shows how all of that can change - for the better.

When Salesforce chairman and CEO Benioff called for more regulation on the tech industry during the Davos World Economic Forum, and followed it up by saying Facebook should be regulated in 'the same way you regulated the cigarette industry', he found himself at the centre of a storm. This was not what people expected to hear from a hugely successful tech entrepreneur, and some industry leaders began calling him to say how he had betrayed them. 

But Benioff shows how he created a company committed to shared values in everything they do, creating a model for others to follow if they want to thrive in today's business environment, where criticism of corporate greed is bringing new pressures on industry. At Salesforce, the aim was to take decisions that were not only good for business, but also for society as a whole, and this book will show you how to make these positive steps. Benioff believes that, in future, the only businesses that will thrive are those that take an active role in making the world a better place. 

Trailblazer is a guidebook to help leaders, employees and customers to prepare for the next phase of global capitalism: the arrival of business for good. 

• Providing Mentorship and Sponsorship

One way to support underrepresented leaders is by providing mentorship and sponsorship. This means taking the time to mentor, coach, and guide them in their professional development. By sponsoring these leaders, you can advocate for their advancement and provide opportunities for them to showcase their abilities.

Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff is an excellent example of a leader who supports underrepresented leaders through mentorship and sponsorship. Under his leadership, Salesforce has implemented a formal sponsorship program for high-potential employees. The program pairs underrepresented leaders with senior executives who advocate for their advancement and help them develop their careers.

• Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Another way to support underrepresented leaders is by promoting diversity and inclusion. This involves creating a culture that values and celebrates differences and recognizes the unique contributions of all employees.

Marc Benioff is known for his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Under his leadership, Salesforce has implemented several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. For example, Salesforce has established employee resource groups for underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. These groups provide a supportive community for employees and help ensure that underrepresented voices are heard.

• Providing Equal Access to Opportunities

A fundamental way to support underrepresented leaders is by providing equal access to opportunities. This means ensuring underrepresented leaders have the same access to training, development, and advancement opportunities as their peers.

Marc Benioff has been a vocal advocate for equal access to opportunities. In 2015, he conducted a pay equity analysis at Salesforce and committed to spending $3 million to close the gender pay gap. He has also committed to increasing the representation of women in leadership positions at Salesforce.

• Creating a Safe and Supportive Workplace

Another way to support underrepresented leaders is by creating a safe and supportive workplace. This means taking steps to address discrimination, harassment, and other forms of bias in the workplace.

Marc Benioff has taken a strong stance on workplace safety and support. In 2018, Salesforce reviewed its pay practices to ensure that women and people of color were paid fairly. In addition, Salesforce has implemented training programs for employees to help them recognize and address unconscious bias in the workplace.

• Encouraging Employee Feedback and Participation

Finally, leaders can support underrepresented leaders by encouraging employee feedback and participation. This means creating a culture where employees feel comfortable providing feedback and participating in decision-making.

Marc Benioff has been a proponent of employee feedback and participation. Under his leadership, Salesforce has implemented an annual employee survey to gather input on various topics, including diversity and inclusion. In addition, Salesforce has established a "culture of trust" that encourages employees to speak up and share their ideas.

In conclusion, supporting underrepresented leaders in male-dominated industries is essential for creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Leaders can help these leaders by providing mentorship and sponsorship, promoting diversity and inclusion, providing equal access to opportunities, creating a safe and supportive workplace, and encouraging employee feedback and participation. By following the example of leaders like Marc Benioff, we can create a more equitable and inclusive workplace for all.