Editorial TeamSo, what is that unfamiliar concept that makes women, especially moms better professionals?
The process of becoming a mother, which anthropologists call matrescence.
To clarify, becoming a mother is an identity shift for the woman. It is one of the most significant psychological changes they will ever experience.
In fact, 86% of women have gone through matrescence, and very few know what the concept means.
Aurélie Athan is a scholar, psychologist, and clinician. She believes mothers are powerful change agents. Mothers are the future architects of tomorrow’s workplaces and social policies.
Matrescence in workplace
Stepha Lafond is a motherhood transition coach. She believes women should familiarize themselves with matrescence and embrace it.
“I think women, in general when operating in their essence. They are capable of anything. Becoming a mother enhances these qualities because it teaches you to set priorities, explore different perspectives, and pivot at the drop of a dime. Mothers are passionate, innovative, and advocates not only for their children but for other people also.”
In other words, matrescence is known to develop a mother’s nonverbal communication skills. Most importantly, Lafond believes, companies must recognize to utilize their skills and productivity.
Athan recommends reframing the question from “how are women better in the workplace after becoming mothers” to “how do mothers make the workplace better”?
In addition, she explains, that matrescence is a moral revolution. Besides larger issues like social justice and family rights are being addressed by women.
Women In Negotiation (WIN)
Daniella Kahane is the executive director and CEO of Women In Negotiation (WIN). A female-focused negotiation skills development organization.
Kahane believes matrescence can help women redefine and reframe negotiating.
Most importantly, matrescence and the lifetime transition to motherhood is indeed a holistic change. It is nothing but bio, psycho, social, economic, spiritual changes.
Therefore, it is no surprise that it would absolutely apply to the professional development of women. Hence, Kahane believes through negotiation, necessary policy and perception change can be brought in.
She explains, “Negotiation is something that goes far beyond a question of compensation or deal-making in the board room. It’s being able to advocate for yourself. Put your own needs first, and see yourself as an independent entity with self-worth.”
More on, what makes women better in the workplace.
