Time to be recognized
Thank you to all the coaches who showed up in my session at the ICF conference to hear about my research on the current generation of high achieving women in the workplace. My heart pumped wildly as over 200 women raised their hand declaring they are a part of this somewhat misunderstood and mostly mismanaged generation. When I defined who they are and how they differ from the generation of pioneer women who came before them, they all passionately shook their heads in agreement.
The reactions in the room and the chatter after reaffirmed that it is time to tell the world we exist. There is a powerful shift in our society, a shift that is reflected in the rumblings against convention around the world. High-achieving women are redefining their relationships to power, their roles as wife, partner and mother, and their ideas of how businesses should be run.
After my talk, many women from outside of the U.S. said they are also seeing a rise in the confidence and enterprise in women, though they said they lag behind in being able to redefine the equality of relationships at home. I reassured them that this too will come as the emerging identity of women spreads and our voices claim more authority worldwide. (I am an optimist!)
As if I needed another sign, by luck I sat next to a publisher in a different breakout session. We are talking next week about publishing a book for the second generation of women leaders in the workplace. I guess it is time that the views of these restless, passionate, driven women be heard.
If you would like a summary of the data from my research, email me at Marcia@outsmartyourbrain.com and I’ll send it to you. And stay tuned, I’ll be asking you all to contribute your thoughts, ideas, and hopes as I focus more of my work and my writing on you. And please, comment on this post to get the conversation growing.
“Recognition” – my favorite topic!
In regards to redefining our roles as women, the current in the Universe seems to be percolating. I feel a volcano about to erupt over new ground for sure!
You (Marcia), yourself are such fine example with the authenticity you speak when you reveal your path taken and paths you’re embarking.
I just want to thank you for being so inspirational to me as well as so candid with your always poignant words of wisdom and brain-power!
Hoorah, let our voices be heard! I’m realizing in my 51st year that I don’t have many role models, and I would love to read about women of my generation paving their own way – unique, as each generation in recent history is.
Although on the outside many of those in my grandmother’s and mother’s generations may have seemed docile, in their own ways they showed their strength of character, which encourages and motivates me to develop my own. I don’t see myself and many in my age as feminists, but rather on the cusp of redefining what the role of women can be, and I hope fervently that through our actions we help pave the way for upcoming generations, giving them hope that there are several options in this exciting and challenging gift of being a woman.
And as one of those women outside of the U.S. I sadly must agree that we often have a difficult time developing our potential; admittedly it’s a challenge when the majority of the local, or perhaps even national community shares a mindset that hinders so many of us from developing our potential, whether at home or at work.