Hey Yo,

Well, what a pleasant surprise. Thanks for dropping by. As you surmised, it’s not my ultimate point that women really “act or think like men” as opposed to their inherent nature. It’s more about taking the kind of risks in the workspace that men seem to more naturally take–but do it as a woman.

And I agree, ultimately, it’s about changing minds and attitudes. Unfortunately, that is a long haul.

More on this lovely topic (that professional women live with every day). Today’s source…The Wall Street Journal (see link to article below). The content of the article acknowledges that it is not uncommon for women to be “penalized” for assertive behavior (evidence showing women being viewed negatively for exerting identical assertive behavior as men). Not so sure then that “acting like a man” is always (or maybe ever) the answer.

The article also offers some (interesting) suggestions to women as to how to counterbalance or counteract this bias against them.

I say again, the solution lies with both men and women to assign value to our differences in communications and styles, to instill in our girls from early on a recognition of value in their INHERENT nature and skills and to be comfortable being assertive framed by the confidence that should bring them. And these girls, who become women, need professional partners that will regard that assertiveness in the appropriate context (i.e. not punish them).

My biggest point overall is I don’t believe the onus to correct this inequity to be entirely on women. (I do recognize that that was not your point, personally or in summation.) Nor do I believe the answer is for women to “act like men”. I think the answer is for women to act and think like supremely confident human beings who happen to be (and behave inherently as) women and be regarded and rewarded commensurately.

Always love the discussion, which I dream to one day lead to more perfect unions…

Yolanda

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-price-women-leaders-pay-for-assertivenessand-how-to-minimize-it-1464660240

Thanks so much Devi. Glad you like the podcast and the music. Be sure to check out our music channel if you want more great Creative Commons song choices like that.