“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.”–Virginia Woolf

Thank all of you who posted after my last comment on the selection of Palin as a VP candidate…this isn’t the first time a boss has picked an unqualified woman just because she agrees with him. The women who wrote offer wonderful programs for emerging women leaders both in corporations and in public seminars. Please visit my blog to read their comments.

Although I do not align with her values, Palin gave an inspiring speech full of passion and she was clearly authentic. In the first half of her speech (I’ll get to the second half in a moment,) I love how she modeled that self-promotion can be powerful; I hope aspiring women everywhere noticed how well she did.

I recently read a study that found women still uncomfortable asking for raises. What was most interesting is that it’s not that they are afraid to ask; they expect that their good work will be recognized without having to ask for it.

The truth…when you let people know your value, you are not bragging. You are informing. Waiting can give people the rationalization for not giving you what you deserve.

And if you are not given the raise or promotion you asked for, ask (with a sense of curiosity, not frustration) what specific behaviors you must demonstrate in order to be rewarded in the future. Be persistent about getting a clear response that is observable and measurable to support your requests in the future.

Now, Palin part two…when she slipped into making mean-spirited comments about Obama that attacked him personally instead of the specifics of his political plans, she reverted to having to put others down to make herself look better. She lost me there. This tactic will only appeal to those who want to like her. I know this was a political convention. Yet if she is a tradition buster, she could have busted this tradition as well. A strong woman isn’t necessarily a “woman of strength.” I don’t think we need women who are fighters (and especially ones who want Victory more than they want peace). I think it is time we promote women who are smart and savvy.

Again, whether it is in politics or in an organization, let’s not support just any woman getting the leadership job. Let’s speak out for the right one.