ISABELLE BARTH, RESEARCHER IN MANAGEMENT SCIENCES - part 2
Isabelle Barth always had high standards both in her professional and personal life. In this second video, she explains how her being efficient has sometimes compromised her in-work relationships.
« Mothers are more likely to optimize their lunch break by doing sports. Even if paternity leave shows a change in morals, the woman mostly takes care of children. Driven by efficiency, I have underestimated the importance of informal moments and food diplomacy in my leadership role. I think I made some management mistakes. By refusing to share a meal, the person can remain frozen on representations (Isabelle doesn’t want to spend time with me at the table…). We have the culture of long hours in France. Time at work is different from working time, which explains for gender inequalities. Men stay longer at work than women. »
01:26 What do you think about companies organizing breakfasts?
02:47 How can a meal influence your relationships at work ?
05:00 Preparing the interview, you told me that « going to the gym instead of a business meal was badly considered. » By who and is it still the case?
07:06 How do northern countries build-up team spirit ?
07:47 What are your three best excuses to avoid a business lunch ?
08:19 You also said to me, « It’s been a trick for me to turn down some lunches. » Why ?
MASTERCLASS #2 LEADERSHIP : increase sales opportunities MASTERCLASS #3 FRENCH CULTURE : expand your conversation
IMPORTANCE OF MEALS FOR A MANAGER
« We’re not going to say things the same way but what matters is communicating. Whether it is a breakfast, an aperitif, a coffee break or lunch, the manager must plan these moments. Anything informal is essential. A new talent who is 100% on its screen can’t understand the codes. Part of the apprenticeship in a firm is informal. Coffee breaks are spontaneous and clandestine, unlike a planned breakfast with identified people. A breakfast has a mediating role. »