As a woman, mom, wife and teacher, I absolutely loved this talk! Listening to Sheryl Sandberg standing up for women in the workforce and encouraging "us" to be persistent and to go for the top spot in our career if that is the route we decide to take. Sheryl said that 20% of women are at the top spot at their jobs and the numbers arent moving any. The only way to increase the numbers is to keep women in the work force. Its a tough decision, because as most of us know, women/moms/wives have to wear so many hats if they choose to have a career and a personal family life. Sheryl gave 3 important messages to consider if you want to stay in the workforce and rise to the top.
1.sit at the table- meaning, dont sit in the back of the room or in a chair on the side of the table. sit directly with your coworkers and be involved in communication and action
2. partner a real partner- she said that women systematically second guess themselves. so partner with someone who you feel comfortable with. She said that equal learning & responsibility with your partner will lead to success
3. dont leave before you leave- she gave a great example of how hard it is for moms to stay in the workforce and wanting to check-out early. Lots of women dont take on new tasks, duties, committments because they are looking toward the future or family and other committments they may have. So basically, before an extended leave of absence, she has already not accepted an offer for advancement or promotions.
In today's workforce, women dont get as much credit as they deserve. Its time for things to change.
Amie, I listened to this same talk. I figured as a woman I really needed to. The statistics weren't surprising because it has always been this way; however, you would think that in this day and age when more and more women are in the work force there would be a more equal representation of women in leadership roles. I was watching a program on television the other night and a group of news reporters were talking about the presidential election and they were not impressed with any of the candidates - all men. Earlier in the week, I was listening to a discussion from a group of people who were saying that the country might be in better shape if a woman was in charge because women know how to get things done. This comment I have heard a number of times over the years. So, if people feel this way, why don't we have more women in top leadership roles? Why haven't we ever had a woman president? It is not until recent years that women have even thrown their hates into that ring. Do you think it is because of the way that society has looked at the roles of men and women for so many years? I think it was Yvette who made the point that women and men take on different roles in the home with women doing more of the work at home than the men. I think this is where women get their first training as leaders. They take charge of keeping the household running. They take charge of running the little league organization. They take charge of making the schedules for the family. Etc. Etc. If women can take on all of these leadership roles in the home, why aren't they as comfortable taking on the leadership roles in the workplace? Sandberg, in the suggestions that she made, pointed out that women sometimes sabotage themselves and that they need to make an effort to, as you pointed out, sit at the table, make their partner a real partner, and don't leave until you leave.
ReplyDeleteHi Gayle
ReplyDeleteThis is my favorite talk so far, actually, it will be hard to beat this one! ha! I can completely agree that women get things done. They are great at mulitasking at home with the kids and at work. I thought about the presidential campaign this week, also and would have loved to see a woman in there. I do believe the reason why women arent the popular ones in the top seats is how we were brought up and how society views the roles of women. Times are changing and allowing more women to have these top notch positions but I think its going to take many, persistent, strong women to prove to society that its time for a change.
I responded to Neysa's post on the same article earlier and mentioned the three tips the Sandberg states. My question is, do you think its just about inevitable to "leave before you leave" if you do plan on going on maternity leave to care for your newborn. It goes back to taking care of yourself and your family first, so you can take care of everyone else. What do you think?
Amie