What can Cinderella teach you about successfully navigating the workplace?

Sometimes, the best way to make sense of the adult world is to rewind to the basic life principles that one learned in the formative childhood years. What better story to do this than Cinderella.? In just about every society in the world, there is a version of it. The word ‘Cinderella’, puts to mind a person who succeeds against all odds without compromising their principles and integrity.

What can Cinderella teach us about successfully navigating workforce barriers towards career progression??

First.? Despite the trials and tribulations, Cinderella remains true to her kind and gracious self. Self-awareness and good character are an asset. Do not compromise on them

Second. Qualifications and skills cannot be taken away from you.? They are yours and if you keep developing them, they can be your key to progression.

Third. Cultural Capital. Cinderella was treated like a maid and dressed in rags but her enculturation and early socialisation remained a part of her, the value of which was 'spotted' by a prince and royal court who recognised the intangible signals that told them that Cinderella was one of them. It was not the fancy gown that she was wearing. He saw the real authentic Cinderella. Not the Cinderella who the step family had tried to make her believe she was.

Fourth.?Social Capital. Having points one, two and three is very important but they do not guarantee progression without the right sponsors. What you know matters but crucially, among those with the power to progress you; who you know, who knows you and who wants you to progress matter more.?

I will analyse the main characters in the story by placing them in the workplace to explain my views.

The story starts with a widower who has a daughter and marries a woman with two daughters of her own.

·???????? The Family Home - The workplace.

·???????? Stepmother - Team Manager

·???????? Stepsisters – Teammates

·???????? Cinderella – Team member

A person new to a role goes through a handover period. However, the problem comes when it becomes obvious that they are more skilled and qualified than was expected and even more problematic if they are more competent than the dominant team members.

In the story, the mother and her daughters are said to be both ugly and evil. While Cinderella is sweet and kind. I do not take this literally but rather figuratively in the workplace. In our scenario, it means the sisters are not as skilled, qualified and capable as Cinderella.?

Cinderella’s mother knew the character of her daughters was not admirable and she did not want anyone to point out the virtues of Cinderella in contrast.? The solution was to hide Cinderella away and make her do all the chores like a maid so that eventually she will forget who she really is in the home. A daughter.

Let’s look at two key exclusionary ways this happens at work.

EXCLUSION OF THE ‘OUTSIDER’

Call me by my name - It is not what you are called but what you answer to, that matters.

A little-known fact. Cinderella was born Mary Beth Ella Gertrude, Ella in short.? The sisters called her Cinderella because she slept near the fireplace to keep warm and woke up covered in cinders (ashes).

Ella did not fit the perception that the team had of her.? Instead of accepting her as she was, they attempted to change her into who they believe she should be by bringing her down a notch or two, showing her her lane and keeping her in it. She was as much a daughter in that house as they were but they tried to make her believe she was a maid and not part of the family.

In the workplace, unfortunately in some cases this name change may happen both literally and figuratively.

Literally:? One is given a nickname and never addressed by their proper name because apparently one’s name is too difficult. If it is that difficult (I say this as one who understands the difficulty of pronouncing clicks that occur in Bantu and Khoisan language families of Southern Africa); why not ask the person if they have a preferred alternative name?

Figuratively: The method of choice is a mixture of character assassination, minimisation and gaslighting.? One gets either assignments beneath their level of expertise or higher than their expertise.? Either way, their efforts are not acknowledged and any credit is taken by another team member.? This is designed to make one question their value and second guess their competency.? Micromanaging can be part of the arsenal too. If one dares to speak up for themselves, the team turns to good old gaslighting and calling you names such as ‘angry’ ‘aggressive’ and ‘uncooperative’ yet they are the ones who created the situation that would trigger such feelings in any person, them included!

SOLUTION:

Throughout all this, Cinderella knew she was still the sweet and kind Ella.? She refused to change into what would suit the sisters’ narrative.

In the workplace you take Cinderella’s lead by knowing who you are and not compromising on your character, values, integrity, morals, principles or standards.? Yes, you are not perfect, but it is crucial for you to be able to identify and be open to constructive criticism.? Be aware that there will be some people who are fully committed to finding wrong with everything you do.? It is not your job to give them your undivided attention.

ORGANISATION CULTURE

Father – Senior Manager

The question of course is why an obvious team asset like Cinderella is facing this ill will from her workmates? Why is the manager not doing something about this?

People in a team will do what the leader permits.? Just like the bully in the playground whose parent is the teacher knows they can get away with their behaviour.? Teammates get permission to carry out unacceptable behaviour by their manager whether explicitly or implicitly.? Unfortunately, Cinderella knows there is no use in reporting the matter to her line manager (stepmother).

Surely if Cinderella cannot approach her line manager for help, she should approach the next leadership level?

In the story, Cinderella quietly bears the abuse because she is afraid of making her father angry with her.

The adage, ‘the fish rots from the head’ applies here.? Just like the teammates have permission from the manager to abuse Cinderella, we can conclude the manager knows she will not get into trouble with her senior manager. The culture of the team is kept alive by the people who make the strategic decisions in the organisation. The recruitment system tends to result in hiring similar minded people therefore newcomers who are different will likely face some undesirable treatment as long as their teammates feel empowered to act that way.

SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Royal Ball – Senior Staff Networking Event

One day, the prince invites all the people in the land to a royal ball. The stepmother, stepsisters tell Cinderella that maids like her are not invited to the ball.

It has been said, your network is your net worth. This applies in the workplace at any level. Who you know and who knows you are keys to progression.

Although Cinderella does all the hard work, credit is taken by the favoured team members.? That, in turn opens the opportunities for them to attend senior meetings and events to present reports or as a reward for the outputs of the team.?? Cinderella does not get these opportunities because she is kept hidden in the office doing the work.

Beware of being your team’s ‘best kept secret’.? It might feel like a good thing but in reality, it hinders your progress because only your team will know how brilliant you are and it may not be in their best interests to let other people in the organisation know.? It might be that they do not want to risk you being ‘stolen’ or they just don’t want you to progress.

Because Cinderella was doing all the hard work around the house and catering to their needs; the sisters had all the time in the world to moisturise, get their nails and hair done, hang out with other ladies who lunch and mix and mingle with the cream of the kingdom. Being the unknown excellent employee prevents one from opportunities to attend senior level meetings and networking events. ?The other ?workmates are able to dedicate their time to attend CV Workshops, meetings and Development Schemes.

SOMEONE IS ALWAYS WATCHING

Cinderella watched as the stepsisters and the stepmother left all glammed up for the ball and cried in anguish. Her fairy godmother appeared and transformed Cinderella from raggedy maid to who she was born to be. A beautiful girl in a magnificent ballgown with a dainty pair of glass slippers. She turned things within the house into useful assets. ?A pumpkin into a golden carriage, mice into horses, lizards into footmen and a rat into a coachman.

Fairy God Mother – Mentor/Sponsor

We have established that Cinderella is a secret weapon hidden away.? One can only imagine how difficult it would be to get invited to the annual senior leadership networking event, let alone get a mentor.? One thing people are not aware of is that someone is always watching.? There are many good cheerleaders in the workplace who spot talent and want to help you to reach your potential. Cinderella may not be able to qualify for a formal mentor/sponsorship programme but there could be that one person with keys to the door to progression who will hand her that opportunity.? It could be a senior manager who has observed the team’s activities and has been trying to find a way of helping Cinderella.

Pumpkin – Skills/knowledge

This mentor helps Cinderella to value her skills by recognising that a useless pumpkin to one is a valuable skill to another e.g. completing the tasks of multiple roles under the pressure of many ‘micromanagers’ has given her the skill of negotiating with multiple difficult stakeholders.? A key skill towards success at networking at the event.

Mice, lizards and rat – Other Co-workers

The CEO was not born a CEO.? They entered the workforce at a junior level and worked their way up.? At each stage, they took the role of a team member, colleague and manager, among other roles. Somehow, they learned how to network and progress up the hierarchy. Not all people in the organisation are set on removing rungs from your ladder up.? There are allies.? Some overt, some covert.? Be open to advice and guidance from everyone at whatever level of the organisation because that quiet unassuming person sitting in the corner desk might have connections at senior level and may decide to take you there with them. Some Teammates may have skills they can teach you. Some may spot potential in you that you are unaware of.

INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP

Prince – CEO

Nobility – other senior managers

At the ball, all the noble folk are impressed by Cinderella, especially the prince.

The CEO and other senior managers are intrigued to discover that such talent has been in the organisation and underutilised all this time.? They recognise value.

Cinderella arrives at home before her family and greets them as they return.? They discuss endlessly about the beautiful girl at the ball but do not recognise Cinderella in her. This happens very often in the office when one is visibly different yet invisible when it comes to opportunities.?

WHO RECOGNISES YOUR VALUE?

The prince ran after her and the guards outside the palace said they only saw a country girl leave the palace. They did not see her value.

Not everyone in the office sees your potential.? It is crucial to remember this so that you do not waste your time trying to convince people to value you.? Instead, it will benefit you to identify which areas of the workplace value your skills and try to find roles and development opportunities in those areas.? Even better if you make yourself visible in those areas, your talent might be spotted by an inclusive leader.

WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT ABOUT THE SLIPPER?

The prince sent his herald to try the slipper on all the women in the kingdom. At Cinderella's home, the stepsisters tried in vain and were shocked when the slipper fit Cinderella perfectly.

The slipper represents your unique talents. Take advantage of your workload be it too little or too much, as an opportunity to upskill and develop via inhouse training packages.? Identify your social skills gaps, weaknesses, changes in the professional environment and develop them. When a job opportunity presents itself to you, you will have those extra skills that your teammates likely do not have.

DON’T BURN BRIDGES

Cinderella forgave her family and facilitated the stepsisters’ marriage to wealthy noblemen and they all lived happily ever after.

What I would have done in her place is a story for another day!? However, what we can learn from her is that if your chosen strategy is to leave, you should be gracious in your exit.? Be thankful for all the lessons learned in your role.? They may not have been all great, but they taught you to be resilient, responsible, accountable, driven, self-motivated, strategic, analytical and most importantly, how to navigate the progression minefield!

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