Lesson 10: Dare to be Disobedient - Break the Glass Ceiling

In a previous newsletter, I wrote about one of the pivotal lessons from my 28 years of career experience: the importance of being your first advocate.

This extends beyond mere self-promotion; it involves actively championing your own cause, showcasing your worth, value, and achievements. It necessitates the courage to speak up for yourself, recognizing that no one else can be as motivated and articulate about your capabilities as you are.

Today however, I want to elevate that concept to a new level – Dare to be Disobedient!

This is not an encouragement for women to be disrespectful in the workplace; rather, it's a call to challenge the norms and expectations that have historically held women back in male-dominated industries.

The Good Girl Syndrome and its Constraints:

Women professionals have long faced challenges in their quest for success, particularly in industries where men have traditionally dominated. Breaking through the glass ceiling demands resilience, determination, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Because progress in life and society doesn't arise from static processes; rather, it stems from evolution and sometimes even revolution. On a perhaps smaller but undoubtedly significant scale, a similar transformative process is imperative in our professional lives to attain the positions we aspire to and rightfully deserve.

This article serves as a shout-out for women aiming not only to climb the corporate ladder but also to emerge as leaders, especially in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Throughout history, women have been expected to conform to certain behaviours, to fit into predefined roles and boxes, and to follow rules created by others.

One common habit ingrained in many women is the "Good Girl Syndrome." Society has conditioned us, from childhood through adulthood, to feel guilty and fearful of deviating from expected traits. These traits include obedience, warmth, loyalty, and selflessness – sacrificing our own interests for the greater good, avoiding conflicts, and refraining from self-promotion. Being assertive is often misconstrued as aggression, and discussing our achievements is unfairly labelled as either being loud or bragging.

The ‘’Good Girl Syndrome’’ creates a subtle yet pervasive set of expectations that can impact professional growth. Women often find themselves hesitating to assert their opinions, negotiate for deserved promotions or salaries, and express their ambition for leadership roles. The fear of being labelled as too assertive, ambitious, or, conversely, not fitting the mold of traditional femininity can stifle career progression.

Embracing Disobedience as Liberation:

To break free from these constraints, women must embrace disobedience. Personally, I confess to having been entangled in this syndrome for much of my career. How many times did I put aside my plans for the sake of others, neglecting my own time and needs? How often did I prioritize others at the expense of my personal and work time? These instances, among others, are common scenarios many of us have faced at least once in our professional journeys.

Recognizing the need for change, I've come to realize that disobedience is essential to personal and professional growth. It involves challenging the expectations of the ‘’Good Girl Syndrome’’ and asserting oneself confidently in the workplace. By doing so, women can redefine success on their own terms, breaking free from outdated norms and creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment.

Strategies for Embracing Disobedience:

1.??? Breaking the Mold: In male-dominated industries, success often adheres to established norms. To become leaders, women must dare to be disobedient, challenging outdated norms and forging new, empowered paths.

2.??? Embrace Your Uniqueness: Disobedience involves embracing uniqueness, leveraging it as a strength. Successful women leaders understand the power of authenticity, contributing diverse perspectives to create innovative work environments.

3.??? Cultivate a Fearless Mindset: Disobedience requires a fearless mindset, confronting imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and external scepticism. Confidence and competence go together, allowing women to break through barriers and assert themselves as capable leaders.

4.??? Build a Supportive Network: In the journey to leadership, a robust support network is crucial. Seek mentors who have navigated similar paths, sharing experiences, seeking guidance, and learning from those who have dared to be disobedient before you.

5.??? Challenge Bias and Advocate for Change: True disobedience involves challenging bias and advocating for systemic change. By being vocal advocates for change, women can contribute to transforming male-dominated industries into more equitable and progressive environments.

To women professionals daring to be disobedient in their pursuit of leadership in male-dominated industries, the path may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. By breaking the mold, embracing uniqueness, cultivating a fearless mindset, building a supportive network, and challenging bias, women can not only climb the corporate ladder but also reshape the very landscape they traverse.

Dare to be disobedient and pave the way for a new era of leadership where gender is not a limitation but a source of strength and innovation!