I’ve never really thought about whether I want to be liked by men but on reflection I think the need for their approval has always been there since most of them have occupied the senior roles throughout my life and career. It was only when I became a leader myself that I wanted to be respected more than liked but not by changing myself to fit in or continually proving my worth through ‘doing’. Of course, things have progressed but then sometimes I’m reminded of our differences when I see women being spoken over, constantly challenged or not trusted for their expertise and opinions.
I think this is really interesting Elaine in terms of yes men may not ‘like’ women but do we want to be liked by them? If like means respect then yes I probably do. It’s always been a bugbear of mine around having to earn respect and prove myself whereas men seem to operate on mutual respect because of their gender. I want my work to be respected and not seen as inferior simply because I am a woman!
I’ve never really thought about whether I want to be liked by men but on reflection I think the need for their approval has always been there since most of them have occupied the senior roles throughout my life and career. It was only when I became a leader myself that I wanted to be respected more than liked but not by changing myself to fit in or continually proving my worth through ‘doing’. Of course, things have progressed but then sometimes I’m reminded of our differences when I see women being spoken over, constantly challenged or not trusted for their expertise and opinions.
And it’s hard not to settle for being liked.
I think this is really interesting Elaine in terms of yes men may not ‘like’ women but do we want to be liked by them? If like means respect then yes I probably do. It’s always been a bugbear of mine around having to earn respect and prove myself whereas men seem to operate on mutual respect because of their gender. I want my work to be respected and not seen as inferior simply because I am a woman!