My latest addiction The Apprentice continues to support my view that corporate careers are a minefield for women. It is a constant tightrope walk. Be yourself and risk Sir Alan's roth or change your natural style and position and behave like a man and be a target for the B word and induce many of the female population to froth at the mouth in depair and disgust!
It is my view that if you want to succeed in this game or any other organisation driven by male values you simply have to learn the rules.
The boardroom is a battleground - you have to be ready to fight, stand your ground and flash your medals. Modesty is NOT an option, neither is deferring your success to your team and admitting your weaknesses is corporate suicide.
This week's casualty, the level-headed, ego-free, creative, team player Paula, a HR Manager from the Midlands highlights the plight of many bright, ambitious career women in the UK. She did not sell herself, defend herself nor take credit for her contribution. Faced by the aggression of her fellow contenstent Ben, who quite rightly was fighting for his life, she stood back looking shocked at his tactics to frame her.
On top of this she was too honest about her weaknesses, the dreaded F word (finances) and she dared to lead by conscensus and buy in as opposed to control and command - doomed from the start!
Is it any wonder that women are leaving the UK corporate sector in droves? Over the past 5 years around 40% of female, senior level managers have walked, they site lack of flexibility in terms of working hours and work/life balance as the core reason, but I am not buying that are you?
Anyway, no doubt Paula will carve a new career for herself, one where she can remain authentic and be proud of her true self. You go girl!
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