Recently a second year MBA student reached out to me for a networking chat. After chatting for about 10 minutes she mentioned that she wanted my perspective on something that had been bothering her for the past few weeks. She then proceeded to very diffidently ask me
There are so many unconscious biases in the workplace. What we can and should do is take the conscious call of trying to not define ourselves by these at our individual levels. By not surrounding ourselves with such people and by taking steps at our individual levels as well, we can work towards change.
Very well said. This is a very real issue, but my advice is to always be as transparent as you can as it’ll only help filter out places that aren’t a good fit. I wear girly outfits, show off my engagement ring proudly and have pictures of my family all over my desk. The reality is, if a group doesn’t accept me because of that, I never would have been happy there anyway.
Great read, Rashi, and I completely agree with your response. After reading this, IY and I had a great conversation on this. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Well written. I feel you showed her the right path. And such issues bother almost 99% of women but they all hide them and continue in the flow to somehow fit in it. I had many such issues in my pregnancy but then the day I decided to carry myself with the present and live it gracefully, that day onwards my confidence has increased by leaps and bounds
Excellent piece Rashi. Hypocrisy is so rife around us, that sometimes its taken to be the ONLY way. I am sure your piece will ensure clarity to many such women and men.. if I may, not only in this context but beyond. It's tough to be brave and hold your own in this RAT eat RAT corporate world, yet there is a sliver of hope, and that's what keeps some of these STRONG HEADED (As they are often called) going, and make a distinct mark. Mind, has a become a CAGE of so called "ways to be", its high time the cage vanished!
Very well said. And indeed the question was way deeper than I initially thought it to be. In my opinion, if the person is skilled enough and is confident in the role, come what may, shouldn't bother getting hired by a company whose hiring decisions are influenced by that. I know easier said than done, but I'm ready to bet on the strong individual.
great piece. as a married man, i never have to think about whether or not to wear my ring, and, in fact, as you point out, it's likely helpful because it projects more stability in every conversation. such a double standard. thanks for writing this, Rashi!
Amazingly captured Rashi!
There are so many unconscious biases in the workplace. What we can and should do is take the conscious call of trying to not define ourselves by these at our individual levels. By not surrounding ourselves with such people and by taking steps at our individual levels as well, we can work towards change.
Very well said. This is a very real issue, but my advice is to always be as transparent as you can as it’ll only help filter out places that aren’t a good fit. I wear girly outfits, show off my engagement ring proudly and have pictures of my family all over my desk. The reality is, if a group doesn’t accept me because of that, I never would have been happy there anyway.
Great read, Rashi, and I completely agree with your response. After reading this, IY and I had a great conversation on this. Looking forward to reading more from you.
This leaves you with a thought to reflect upon.
Gender specific bias are not easily understood. That’s why perspective is such an important thing.
At least, now i would try not to be part of the majority.
Not only a good read, but valuable education.
Well written. I feel you showed her the right path. And such issues bother almost 99% of women but they all hide them and continue in the flow to somehow fit in it. I had many such issues in my pregnancy but then the day I decided to carry myself with the present and live it gracefully, that day onwards my confidence has increased by leaps and bounds
Excellent piece Rashi. Hypocrisy is so rife around us, that sometimes its taken to be the ONLY way. I am sure your piece will ensure clarity to many such women and men.. if I may, not only in this context but beyond. It's tough to be brave and hold your own in this RAT eat RAT corporate world, yet there is a sliver of hope, and that's what keeps some of these STRONG HEADED (As they are often called) going, and make a distinct mark. Mind, has a become a CAGE of so called "ways to be", its high time the cage vanished!
Very well said. And indeed the question was way deeper than I initially thought it to be. In my opinion, if the person is skilled enough and is confident in the role, come what may, shouldn't bother getting hired by a company whose hiring decisions are influenced by that. I know easier said than done, but I'm ready to bet on the strong individual.
great piece. as a married man, i never have to think about whether or not to wear my ring, and, in fact, as you point out, it's likely helpful because it projects more stability in every conversation. such a double standard. thanks for writing this, Rashi!