Is there value in personal‐development training for women?

Purpose – Describes the benefits women can gain from attending a personal‐development course. Design/methodology/approach – Provides examples of two women whose personal and professional lives have been transformed by such training. Findings – Argues that the programs can give women the space and time to reflect on their goals (and dreams) and establish new strategies in pursuing these. Highlights the supportive atmosphere that can develop in the programs. Argues that, at a practical level, an organization can reap benefits not only through the reduced costs of fewer grievances, but also by a greater number of women applying for promotion or seeking further professional qualifications. Practical implications – Advances the view that women often feel better able to discuss their difficulties away from the workplace, in all‐female groups. Social implications – Highlights a way of increasing the number of women confident enough to reach the highest levels of their organizations. Originality/value – Claims that women who have attended personal‐development programs often feel more confident in confronting sexist comments from colleagues, and in dealing with bullying and harassment.