Hello High Heelers
I am alive! Imagine that. I guess I have lived through far worse things than angering my boss, Natalie Maroun. You know, a few years ago, a previous company I worked with did a really challenging thing. They promoted me and a friend of mine into the same position. They were then to choose the best performer in the role, at the end of a 6-month trial. We were to each have 3 months in the ‘leader’ seat and the alternative 3 months in a supporting role.
And you all know what happens when you have a woman against another woman – the claws came out! I was going through some personal drama at the time and I didn’t quite know how to compete against someone who had been a great mentor to me in the past. So I spent the majority of those 6 months holding my pieces together, putting out fires and putting up a shield. My friend, on the other hand, did everything she could think of to sabotage me (or at least it felt that way). During her 3 months in the lead, I supported her to the best of my ability. I followed her instruction, motivated our team and prepared the best work I could. When the desks were turned and I was in ‘power’ she disappeared out of the office for weeks, didn’t deliver a single item of work and turned every team member she could against me.
The experience was hell. As each month passed I lost the desire to fight back. I withdrew and started dreaming of other things. I remained kind to my competitor and kept helping her where I could despite her actions, but I secretly despised her. In the end it didn’t turn out well. I didn’t want the position anymore though I still clung to it. She got it and then resigned. Our friendship was shattered. And I was highly disappointed in myself for not fighting harder and for not behaving like myself through the ordeal.
I wondered what Natalie would do in the same situation? Well. I overheard Natalie chatting about one of her ‘women-to-women’ work jealousy challenges the other day too. Natalie had just started out at our company, LRMG, and she had a new client that she was consulting to (we’ll call the client DD!) After a few visits DD contacted our CEO (Ricky) to complain that Natalie was dressing inappropriately and that none of the men on her team were able to concentrate during their meetings. DD complained that Natalie needed to ‘dress down more’, and tie her hair up appropriately. To give you some insight here – Natalie is a stickler for Dress Code, she ALWAYS looks professional with a sexy twist.
After being briefed by Ricky on appropriate attire for visits to DD, Natalie arrived at her next session. She ‘dressed down’ in her chest area to abide by the request. She wore thigh high ‘stockings’ with lace-tops (with the lace just peeking through) in accordance with the rules. And she whipped her hair up in a hot bun with whispy pieces pulled down. She did what she was asked to do – but Natalie style!
You know High Heelers, it’s tough being a woman in a corporate environment. You’re expected to fit a mould (which is usually outdated and very unsexy!). In addition, there are still fewer seats for women at the top – causing huge competition and jealousy amongst us girls who are trying to climb in stilettos. It’s so important to follow the rules but find the space to be YOU, within them. Avoid getting into conflict, but if you have no choice, stay true to yourself. Don’t ever give up the fight and don’t give up anything that makes you, you!
When you’re being challenged by fellow colleagues who are threatened by you, don’t crumble. Be elegant and remain dignified. Instead of putting on the boxing gloves, pull on your sheerest black lace-top pantyhose and your highest red heels and stand tall and strong in them.
Have a wonderful week High Heelers and keep your chins up and your lips red(y)!
Cheers,
Jo
I am alive! Imagine that. I guess I have lived through far worse things than angering my boss, Natalie Maroun. You know, a few years ago, a previous company I worked with did a really challenging thing. They promoted me and a friend of mine into the same position. They were then to choose the best performer in the role, at the end of a 6-month trial. We were to each have 3 months in the ‘leader’ seat and the alternative 3 months in a supporting role.
And you all know what happens when you have a woman against another woman – the claws came out! I was going through some personal drama at the time and I didn’t quite know how to compete against someone who had been a great mentor to me in the past. So I spent the majority of those 6 months holding my pieces together, putting out fires and putting up a shield. My friend, on the other hand, did everything she could think of to sabotage me (or at least it felt that way). During her 3 months in the lead, I supported her to the best of my ability. I followed her instruction, motivated our team and prepared the best work I could. When the desks were turned and I was in ‘power’ she disappeared out of the office for weeks, didn’t deliver a single item of work and turned every team member she could against me.
The experience was hell. As each month passed I lost the desire to fight back. I withdrew and started dreaming of other things. I remained kind to my competitor and kept helping her where I could despite her actions, but I secretly despised her. In the end it didn’t turn out well. I didn’t want the position anymore though I still clung to it. She got it and then resigned. Our friendship was shattered. And I was highly disappointed in myself for not fighting harder and for not behaving like myself through the ordeal.
I wondered what Natalie would do in the same situation? Well. I overheard Natalie chatting about one of her ‘women-to-women’ work jealousy challenges the other day too. Natalie had just started out at our company, LRMG, and she had a new client that she was consulting to (we’ll call the client DD!) After a few visits DD contacted our CEO (Ricky) to complain that Natalie was dressing inappropriately and that none of the men on her team were able to concentrate during their meetings. DD complained that Natalie needed to ‘dress down more’, and tie her hair up appropriately. To give you some insight here – Natalie is a stickler for Dress Code, she ALWAYS looks professional with a sexy twist.
After being briefed by Ricky on appropriate attire for visits to DD, Natalie arrived at her next session. She ‘dressed down’ in her chest area to abide by the request. She wore thigh high ‘stockings’ with lace-tops (with the lace just peeking through) in accordance with the rules. And she whipped her hair up in a hot bun with whispy pieces pulled down. She did what she was asked to do – but Natalie style!
You know High Heelers, it’s tough being a woman in a corporate environment. You’re expected to fit a mould (which is usually outdated and very unsexy!). In addition, there are still fewer seats for women at the top – causing huge competition and jealousy amongst us girls who are trying to climb in stilettos. It’s so important to follow the rules but find the space to be YOU, within them. Avoid getting into conflict, but if you have no choice, stay true to yourself. Don’t ever give up the fight and don’t give up anything that makes you, you!
When you’re being challenged by fellow colleagues who are threatened by you, don’t crumble. Be elegant and remain dignified. Instead of putting on the boxing gloves, pull on your sheerest black lace-top pantyhose and your highest red heels and stand tall and strong in them.
Have a wonderful week High Heelers and keep your chins up and your lips red(y)!
Cheers,
Jo
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