Lucy Kellaway is a weekly columnist at the FT, and is one reason I started thinking about writing a blog on women. I have been following her column for several years now, as it quite funnily but pointedly discusses women in leadership positions and at work.
This week's column, which is unfortunately not one of her best, is on why women in leadership positions are scary. One theory she has is that only the tough women can make it to the top, compared to the more nurturing types who do not. I dont know enough women at the top to be able to judge this, and assume the same would apply to men as well (the alpha male theory).
What is "the top" anyway, and is it important?
The Economist's obituary this week is on Lyn Luci, who helped build up a hospital in Congo that treated thousands of post-rape and genital mutilation patients. Now that is as "top" as one can get, in my opinion. What is salary, prestige, membership on a board, if you are working on some lethal toxins that kill thousands?
A friend of mine recently commented that most of her female friends seem to work in rather "masculine" sectors, and have less "feminine" interests. Interestingly, I am seeing an opposite trend with my friends. After studying "masculine" subjects at some pretty prestigious universtities, and competing in male-dominated jobs, many have switched tracks, joining social, educational and even handicraft sectors. Are these friends moving "down" and not to the "top"? In political quota terms, yes. In my eyes, no. Some are discovering issues that interest them more, some are slowing the work pace in preparation for child care, some are living out the "if not now, then when?".
I should find a suitable quote on "success" to end this entry. Maybe one of my inspiring friends can send me one, and I'll add it later?
I don't have a good quote for you, but lately I have been thinking that happiness and fulfillment are all one needs to seek out in life. And it has to be self-validated, for the most part. We all grow up seeking validation externally, but in terms of the work you do, the way you spend your time, the things you think and worry about, more and more I've come to believe that if you yourself feel good about it, then that is all one can ask for in this life. Life is short and it should be sweet; don't let others tell you how to define the "sweet" part.
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