Just speak up!
How many times have you faced a career barrier and kept this to yourself? Maybe you talked about it to a trusted colleague or a mentor, but did you take it further?
Both women and men experience stumbling blocks throughout their career such as unconscious bias, unfair talent reviews, lack of sponsorship, and not being considered for a growth opportunity. Yet, only a few have the courage to speak up. This is often the case for women.
A McKinsey study found that “women are hesitant, or even unwilling, to point out to their employer the barriers they face at work....They are aware that they face a double standard, and they want to avoid being unfairly characterized as weak or as complainers. They also know that not all employers will react positively and that they could face pushback or punishment.”
What was refreshing about reading the study is the suggestion that for organizations to improve they need to encourage dissent. Put another way, they need to ask for employee feedback. In my view, it often takes a real culture shift for companies to welcome such open feedback. Beyond just a talent survey, companies need to be transparent in sharing the results with the team, then demonstrate the commitment of leadership to drive short and longer-term actions to improve the talent experience.
Women can be a catalyst of change just by speaking up and offering their constructive ideas. But a single voice is not always heard - and when others remain silent, it can be a lonely cause. It takes supporters - others acting as sponsors and most of all women supporting other women more visibly not just from behind. Just speaking up can make a difference to help both women and men facing similar challenges in their careers and pay it forward for others.
Photo: By bbernard | Shutterstock.
Source: McKinsey. When women lead, workplaces should listen. January 2020.