The biggest challenge that female leaders face
In the current social climate, one would most likely think of themselves as unbiased, open-minded, respectful and fair when it comes to gender equality at work. While society has come a long way in recognizing the power that women bring to the table, it’s no secret there’s still so much work to do.
Women are taking more risks, working harder then ever before, preparing themselves to take on more challenging roles, have more self- confidence and are choosing community over competition with each other.
BUT...in 2021, women are still facing stereotypes that paint them as bitchy, sensitive, indecisive and unable to handle the demands that a leadership role brings (yes...in 2021…Insert shocked face right here). The pressure to prove their competence can often consume every ounce of their being, causing corruption of the idea that a healthy work-life balance can exist, leaving them vulnerable to the acceptance of any and all stereotyping, assumptions and disrespect. These are all realities that I, along with almost every female colleague I have encountered, know way too well.
Through the eyes of a new mentorship client, I was recently reminded of these realities that women, especially young women face on a daily basis. Let me paint this familiar picture for you: She is in her first leadership role and is going above and beyond in not only the role itself, but in proving that she is far more qualified and capable of doing this new, exciting job. She kind of reminds me of a much younger version of myself (you know..the young go-getter type:). She was moving along very well in her leadership of a specific project and was on cloud nine. Her colleagues were all praising her work....with the exception of ONE colleague, who by chance (or not) happens to be a man. He went above and beyond in his attempts to sabotage the project and her leadership, often in front of the rest of the team. While she continued to do her job and ignore all of his attempts to sabotage, he didn’t back down. In fact, it became worse. At my advice, she confronted him with a conversation around her concerns and asked him what he needs to move forward in a respectful, collaborative manner. Any guesses on his response? Well, in a perfect world I wouldn’t be writing this blog....but sadly, we’re not living in a perfect world now are we? His response was met with finger pointing, unrealistic expectations and some name-calling. The response came from his ego and not from a place of wanting what’s best for the team and the community that they serve. How sad, right? Well, the saddest part of it all is the advice and statements that people gave her afterwards (all statements that we’ve heard before): “That’s just the way he is. Ignore him”. “He can make your life a living hell, so just leave it alone”. “He doesn’t mean it. He’s just having a bad day”.
Why does this narrative still happen in the year 2021? While we may not be able to change the behaviours of some people, we can change the way we approach these behaviors AND the protection from any type of accountability that we give them.
The more women jump at opportunities to stand up and make an impression instead of blending in and conforming to the expectations that others have placed on them, the more accepted it becomes....and the more unacceptable and extinct these sabotaging and intimidating behaviours become. Who’s with me? Who’s ready to change this narrative and step up to support and empower each other in making this the new norm in the workplace!
Carrie