Live from Synergy 2009--Day 2
March 7, 2009 |
She went on to give examples from her on life where this played out. As she spoke, my brain drifted over the ridiculous ways this competition and jealousy has played out - even in my grown up, professional life.
But I'm curious to hear from the rest of you: Do you as a leader still feel there's only room for one prettiest (or smartest or youngest or most educated or whatever) girl - and feel jealous or competitive if it isn't you?
Caryn Rivadeneira, managing editor of Gifted for Leadership, is author of Mama’s Got a Fake I.D.: How to Reveal the Real You Behind All That Mom. She and her family live in the western suburbs of Chicago. Visit her at her blog or The Mommy Revolution blog.
Posted by Caryn Rivadeneira on March 7, 2009
Comments
I am one of only two women in my department and the two of us talked about being in solidarity, but I have often felt a competitive vibe from her. She seems to have a need to "prove" herself, especially around me. This boggled my mind, but I think it must be about what you're referring to - innate competitiveness or low self esteem. It makes me really sad because I wanted us to be unified since we're the only women, but sensing that competitiveness from makes me not want to develop a friendship.
Posted by: Anonymous on March 8, 2009
What a great opportunity to encourage her, to lift her up. Almost always, when I seek to lift up another, I get encouraged to. Twice the benefit!
Posted by: Judy D on March 8, 2009
I think these first two comments really have so much to say. Notice that the first personally discloses under "Anonymous." The second gives a very nice, very Christian answer that feels a little like a slap. (Which is probably why Anonymous chose to post as anonymous in the first place.)
Perhaps this says a lot about how we women typically relate to one another. Hmmm...
Posted by: Eileen Button on March 10, 2009