SABOTAGE

WORDS: ZOË COMYNS

Pick whichever metaphor you want from the list — glass ceiling, brick wall, hurdle jumping, on the outside looking in — after 30 years of gender equality in Ireland women are still not achieving significant parity in terms of career progression. Why? Are women downsizing their ambitions? Are women their own worst enemies when it comes to career progression or is there something more sinister occurring when it comes to women moving up the rungs of the ladder?

Margaret E Ward, Director of ClearInk*, feels that women are in some cases less likely to put themselves forward when it comes to promotion. “Men are quicker at putting themselves forward; women often don’t want to be seen as aggressive or as a problem maker”. If a woman goes into a manager looking for credit for work done she is less likely to be forceful when stating her case when it comes to her abilities. Some women may have a tendency

“to take things personally” about their performance whereas a man is more likely to defend his abilities and push forward his case.

In an effort to compete in the workplace many people find themselves taking on more than they can comfortably manage. As women are hailed as the goddesses of multitasking they often juggle too many things, becoming their own worst enemy when it comes to pushing the boat out. Janine Bunnetta of Barking Mouse admits: “I always take on too much! Be it work or other things... never afraid to say no. My personality thrives on making a difference and giving that little bit extra. I derive an immense amount of satisfaction from completing a project or task…. I think too, that the nature of part-time work makes me feel that I need

to go that extra mile in order to justify my part-time status.”

Niamh Ni Dhonaill, Marketing Manager, Chiquita says that “Having been part time for a few years now and working for very understanding bosses I have improved on my ability to

say no. Initially I was afraid as I felt I would get left behind and feel out of the loop but

now I pick the things that I can do that really add value and delegate the other things.

The company benefits from this.”

* ClearInk is a company specialising in clear business English for corporate use.

Read more about Winning Women in the August | September 2008 issue of WMB, on newsstands now.