Women In The Corporate World
April 22nd, 2006I came across an article recently that struck me. When I read it, I thought it was insightful, and it highlighted a scotoma present in about half the professional working population.
“The young woman of today is the victim of a double cross. On the one hand, her college training or her work experience taught her to make a living, not to make a cake. So to one half of her being, success has come to mean just what it does to a man – success in a job.
“But with the other half of herself, she wants to fulfill another set of aims and ambitions – marriage, children and a home. These, too symbolize success.
“Whether she realizes it or not she is about to come up against this dilemma, the double standard of success for women. Should she try to achieve success at both places – at home and at work, too?
“On balance, the cards are stacked against her.”
Sounds about right, doesn’t it?
But this excerpt is from an article that was published in 1953.
FIFTY YEARS AGO.
It’s my experience that the business world is still fairly much a man’s world. There is more to say on this topic. But if you’re male, don’t wait - start paying more attention to this now.
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April 23rd, 2006 at 11:08 am
Hey guys:
Great podcasts - I’m always recommending them to everyone I know. Keep up the great work and I’ll definitely buy your book(s) when they’re available.
Are there no podcasts for “Women In The Corp. World” and “Everyone’s So Busy”?
I download them to my MP3 player and listen to them on my commutes.
Thanks again!
Tedd
April 23rd, 2006 at 12:28 pm
Who says that ‘marriage, children and a home’ symbolize success for only women?
The world won’t change until business (and every other sphere) is not a man’s world, or a woman’s world - it’s a person’s world. Why should men miss out on their children’s childhood, why should single people work extra hours because they quote ‘don’t have anything to go home to’, why should there be maternity and paternity pay and nothing for those looking after their elderly relatives or who chose to go help third world nations?
Wendii
April 23rd, 2006 at 2:08 pm
Todd-
Thanks for the kind words!
No, there are no podcasts with those posts. They’re just blog posts. A lot of people have been asking for more of my writing, and there are many topics I come across that have reelvance even though the podcasts associated witht hem may be a year or two away.
Sorry it’s confusing, but I will blog shortly on the differences between the two mediums.
It’s a privilege to serve you,
Mark
April 23rd, 2006 at 7:54 pm
OK - thanks, Mork!
April 23rd, 2006 at 9:25 pm
Wendii, Wow … I think you missed Mark’s point. He would absolutely agree with you that the world *ought* to be gender-blind … but the reality is that, at least in a large part of the world, it just ain’t there yet! And, he’s suggesting that men wake up and smell the coffee.
April 23rd, 2006 at 10:32 pm
Wendii-
Well, in response to your question, “Who says that ‘marriage, children and a home’ symbolize success for only women?”…
I don’t! That was from an article written 50 years ago. My point was that I thought the article was still partly true… which was a shockingly poor grade for our progress.
My point about it being a man’s world was that I disagreed with that.
We might disagree about whether companies “should” pay for those other benefits.. I would argue that the marketplace will sort that out, and people will differentially support companies that do those things well.
More on this in the main blog shortly.
Sorry I wasn’t clear!
Mark
April 24th, 2006 at 1:55 am
Mike, Mark,
I’m sorry I misunderstood. I just wish we could treat everyone according to their needs and talents and that we (as a world) didn’t still need to be having these conversations.
Wendii
April 24th, 2006 at 1:15 pm
Wendii-
Yep. We’re in violent agreement. There’s more to my thoughts on this, though, so keep me honest.
Mark
April 24th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Hi Mike, Hi Michael!
My name is Feodor; I’m from Moscow, Russia. You know, it’s interesting issue you’ve started to discuss, especially for me now, because I’m studying in business school in UK. My occupation is retail; I’m area manager in Russia.
Obviously you know what culture is different in the West and in the East so I can see influence of it from both sides - from my own country which is closer to East and had been all the time under influence of Eastern countries and from belief of culture of Europe. I don’t know how closer American culture to European, I read that some of countries (for example Russia) is closer to USA by people’s attitude but anyway, I just want to share some of my observations. The culture here (in UK) is directed more to individual rather to community, basically each person is individual independently of sex, so this attitude has reflection in education system, society, legislation and so on. In my country it’s not so obvious. I, personally, treat everybody as individual but not fully distinct, because all women have something in common rather as man. So I can use some key forms of communication which is more understandable by women or men. I don’t think that this is some discrimination because I use it to save our time and to improve communication.
If be more general, it is complicated question and I’m, personally, not yet developed certain view. Because there are many pros and cons. When I face so difficult questions I use to look at things from nature view. Because of despite of difference of human from other species we have in common much more than in distinction and specially by survival. So important functions of our body is almost the same to animals and this fact compass me to nature. Can you imagine following: lionesses, the members of pride, going to lion and tell him: “listen, big man, we are tired to hunt for you. You are only lay here in the shadow, eat, sleep and do something else, but we should hunt, grew up children and so on. Stop. No more tears. Help yourself. If you need something you will find us on the next 2 miles.” What do you think? Is it possible? What outcomes do you think will be in future for this pride? Interesting question. There is two possible ways - they are survived or they are going to die. But! Any of these effects will influence to other animals which is around them. I think that the balance is king. No miracles, we use to live like men and women millions of years so we should be very careful about it.
Sorry for this long digression. My opinion that we (men and women) should have equal rights but we should clearly understand what we are different. DIFFERENT. In our behavior, understanding, focus, purpose, wish, love, attitude and so on, even in hormonal balance which is influence in our behavior (this is physical issue - not easy to change). Nobody is better but different. I think women should choose their way by one’s own without such huge pressure of culture and society.
Thanks.
Feodor
P.S. You doing really good job by your podcast. It’s so difficult to find advice especially in my country there the corporate culture is not well developed. Thank you, you’re the best.
April 24th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
I’m sorry Mark, I’ve called you Mike at greeting.
April 24th, 2006 at 6:32 pm
Feodor-
Thanks for the kind words about our work. It thrills us that you are benefitting from us. Both Mike and I were Army officers, and at one point, and your country was the enemy. Glad we’re fellow customers now.
And FINALLY a post where Lions talk to one another!
Women and men ARE different, and wonderfully able to contribute, and as managers we must create an environment where each can achieve to the best of his or her abilities. That means being aware of the differences, but also asking all to aspire to standards that have nothing to do with gender.
Mark
April 26th, 2006 at 2:52 pm
H Mark - I recently found your podcast and have listened to several episodes. I am really enjoying it and have recommended it to several of my friends. This is a topic near and dear to my heart since I am a woman working in the corporate world.
I am a wife and a mother and a PMP-certified Project Manager working for a top health care company. I feel very lucky to be able to have a family both at home and at work that enables me to do my best work in all facets of my life. I work for a company that recognizes work/life balance and encourages this from all of its employees and gives both men and women equal benefits to pursue that work/life balance - maternity/paternity leave, volunteer leave, adoption reimbursement, etc. I am also starting to see men I know of all ages realize they are allowed to want more and should feel they can pursue more than just a career/job in the corporate world. Men and woman are different, there is no doubt about that, but we should all have the right to pursue what makes us whole. I have a wonderful father and husband as examples of successful men in the world -both in their careers and with their families. They recognized they wanted both and they worked hard to have both. I know gender bias is out there - I’m just glad that it isn’t as bad as it used to be and optimistic that each year that bias becomes less and less of an issue. I look forward to hearing more on this topic and others!
April 26th, 2006 at 6:37 pm
Dina-
Well done! I think you’re absolutely right. And, if it ever does get harder, forget about balance - at some point you’ll be spinning plates - and choose home first. It works better with everyone I know who has faced these issues.
Great post… glad I shared my thoughts, and you responded.
Mark
May 19th, 2006 at 11:50 am
I am catching up on your shows since recently discovering your podcast. I just listened to the delegation podcast it has some good stuff, as well as ALL of your shows that I’ve listened to thus far. However, I don’t know if something was going on w/ the audio for the delegation podcast on 8/22/05 of last year, but it sounded like Mark was eating something during the show. I typically don’t provide feedback to shows and such, but evidently this bothered me enough to write. And since I did write, I wanted to take the time to point, (other than this anomoly), that I really enjoy listening. I still have some catching up to do.
Thanks for all the great advice.
May 20th, 2006 at 1:16 am
Thanks, Billy.
I can understand why Mark’s “sound effects” bothered you. When we recorded that show, Mark was sick and had to consume numerous cough drops during the show just to prevent a coughing attack. We have since found out that “cough drop consumption” is easily perceived by our listeners. Although apparently disconcerting to some, we thought it better to proceed forward (cough drops and all) rather than skip a show.
Hopefully the majority of folks will forgive us for the occasional cough drop … or sip of coffee.
regards,
Mike
July 21st, 2007 at 8:50 pm
This is in response to the following comment: My opinion that we (men and women) should have equal rights but we should clearly understand what we are different. DIFFERENT. In our behavior, understanding, focus, purpose, wish, love, attitude and so on, even in hormonal balance which is influence in our behavior (this is physical issue - not easy to change). Nobody is better but different. I think women should choose their way by one’s own without such huge pressure of culture and society.
Maybe I am responding a year too late, but I couldn’t agree more. We are each unique, that means each of us see things differently. However, in every United States household that I am associated with, it is the Mother’s responsibility not only to rear the children but also help provide an income for the family unit. AND in every position that I have every had in the Corporate world, I can honestly say that I was not paid as much as my male counterparts. Definately not fair…. Think Hillary is going to make a difference…Not a chance!