Jaymie and I recently wrote an article for Global Telecom Business about women in telecom ‘Is the glass ceiling a myth or reality for women in telecoms?’ It was inspired – and in response – to an article in GTB’s previous issue written by Meryl Bushell ‘Women lose out from top positions because of reluctance to network.’
There are so many factors that come into play for ‘Women in Telecom’ – actually Women in any competitive field, including finance, technology, engineering, oil/gas and more. The common thread that underlie challenges for women include:
- Networking opportunities
- Family
- Friends
- Ambition
- Thick skin
- Perception
The article could have been written for any industry that women feel they are ‘held back,’ but my theory – based on a poll of women in telecom – is that we all make our own destiny. First, one of the many issues that women face, different than men, are lack of opportunities to network. Not all women in the office are invited out to watch a game and have a beer, extended invites to industry social events and more. It is the woman that befriends the right people who get invited – those that seek shall find. Second, there’s the issue of family. When you decide to start a family and conceive (if that’s the path you choose) directly influences the types of opportunities available to you, why? Not because you’re a pregnant lady, but because your priorities change during pregnancy and certainly after. With more responsibility, comes the challenge of juggling it all. Frankly, not all women want to juggle it all and they choose differently – I don’t blame them – it’s hard! But more importantly, it takes a selfless spouse or partner to support and the other woman in their career – much like it takes a supportive partner to enable a man to succeed. Third there are the friends you choose. Your workplace friends can influence your career, both positively and negatively. Those with drive and power will certainly inspire you to want the same, those who don’t have it, will keep you where you are. Fourth, how ambitious are you and how bad do you want it? If you have drive and want success you will seek it – period. Fifth can you handle the heat? Though it’s no longer the sixties where men oogle women openly, there are still issues that arise in the workplace that could be considered ‘uncomfortable’ for women – and men for that matter. It takes some thick skin to not want to take it all so personally – it’s not always personal. And finally, there’s perception. If you think you’re less than – you shall be. If you think you’re equal – you shall be. If you think you’re greater – then you can be!
If you don’t want to be at the top, that’s ok too – ambition isn’t easy, and doesn't always lead to success. But when you seek it out, you can identify the ways you can make it happen – whether you’re a woman OR a man.
You can read the entire article published in the March/April 2011 issue of Global Telecom Business here.
