Where do the men go?

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 in the transformation of gender roles, gender stereotyping and gender equality, where do men go when it comes to personal growth and development?

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 society by becoming a better person, partner, and leader.

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.

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 Maes, The Mankind Project, and the Mancave Mastermind Programme a - six-month personal growth and transformation for men.

These programmes 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 programmes 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 fulfil and the legacy they want to leave behind.

For more information, visit paulaquinsee.com. Alternatively, connect with her on Facebook or on Twitter.