My thoughts on Woman in Leadership.
To provide a little background, I am employed at an indigenous organization which is actually for the most part very supportive of female leadership. This wasn’t always the case and yet I’m still faced with prejudices perhaps not internally but externally.
- What is the greatest challenge you have faced or are facing as a woman in leadership?
In my previous place of employment I moved up at an early age and so I’m not sure if it was just the fact that I was the only female but perhaps a little age discrimination as well. I recall sitting in meetings with all men and not feeling respected from the start. It didn’t matter if I had good ideas to share or if I was a productive leader with excellent key performance indicators. I found there were males in the organization that were manipulative and would do things to undermine me or look bad. For some time I had a female boss and so was somewhat shielded from some of the nepotism. Unfortunately things changes when she moved on. My first realization that something changed was after being unsuccessful in a job posting to another candidate that I knew I had more experience than. I also knew that I had a very successful job interview and presentation. One of the panel members was someone I considered a friend and he could hardly look me in the eye after. The writing was all over his face. I had to carefully consider my options, knowing my next move could have lasting career effects. I clearly had a case for discrimination and could pursue things legally or alternatively could move on to another place in the organization where I knew my skills would be valued. I chose the latter of the two and leading up to the Olympics I found myself in a position where I had value. Part of me thinks I should have done more so that I could set an example and ensure it did not ever happen to another female ever again but then on the other hand as luck would have it, I ended up with a great job offer in another company and have never looked back. Since I left the other organization on good terms I was able to receive a great reference.
- What is something that you do that helps you to meet or deal with this challenge?
Specially, I have not had to deal with gender discrimination in applying for a job however in my current employment I’ve noticed gender discrimination with outside organizations. In particular when working in the construction industry I have encountered males that will talk over me to other males in my organization, even though they are my direct reports. My direct reports are for the most part good about it but they do also participate at times. My tactic in dealing with these situations is to ignore the behaviour. Secretly I find it humorous the look on their faces after starting a meeting and they realize who’s who in my organization. It usually follows with a lot of sucking up. I figure I have one up on them and will choose the right time to use it to my advantage. In cases where I continue to meet with construction companies that know full well who I am, yet continue to discriminate I try and show patience. Eventually through the working relationship they come to know why I’m where I am as my performance speaks for itself.
- Do you have any other advice or encouragement for women in leadership?
Don’t change who you are to accommodate others with bad behaviours. Be humble and patient as the truth always comes out. Don’t let your insecurities get the better of you and be astute to knowing when people are trying to manipulate. The greatest revenge is in being successful and if you work hard and try your best, people will realize your value. Realize there will always exist prejudices, some more obvious than others but don’t let that effect your confidence in your abilities. Last don’t always take things personally. Sometimes it’s not gender that is the issue. Competitive environments can bring out the worst in people however it’s important to always work in good faith. Put your head down and do good work and ignore the rest. You have more supporters than you realize out there.
Hi,
Thank you for such satisfying and awesome answers. Being in a humiliating environment in your earlier job you tried to skip and move on in your present job. The way you handle situation as you mentioned is much applauding. You are a true symbol of women empowerment. I am very much touched by the way you mentioned every difficulties you face and how you manage them in the best possible way and I also want to mention for women encouragement not only internal but external support is of great value and should be considered too.
I enjoyed reading about your experience being a woman in leadership. Especially that hard work is part of it and to keep going. You take the high road in situations, even though others don’t necessarily deserve your grace, it certainly bears out over the long haul that hard work speaks for itself. I would agree not to take everything personally, you never know what others are going through. Interesting that you reflected on internal and external prejudices, both of which can be factors.