By Ann Howard, Ph.D.
When I applied for my first job in the 1960s, I was told “You can’t interview management candidates; only men are allowed to interview men. You can interview women for clerical jobs.” We’ve come a long way from such blatant discrimination against women in management.
But according to the latest report, “Holding Women Back: Troubling Discoveries and Best Practices for Helping Female Leaders Succeed,” from DDI’s Global Leadership Forecast 2008|2009, the stop signs to women’s advancement are still there; they’re just harder to see. Participation in programs that ease the route to the top – like high-potential programs or mentors—is typically secret, and few realize how often decision-makers favor men over women.
When I was a kid we celebrated Easter in the town park; whoever caught a released rabbit could keep it. There were careful instructions not to pick up the rabbit but hold it on the ground until an adult could retrieve it. One year, the first rabbit abruptly turned around, came directly toward my sister and me, and I caught it! While I dutifully held the rabbit on the ground, about eight boys jumped on top of me and claimed that they had caught it. The adult didn’t see what happened and took away my prize.
Guys, a promotion won by stacking the deck is no better than a rabbit won by deception or an Olympics contest won by strength-enhancing drugs. We gals aren’t asking for favoritism—let the best leader advance. But couldn’t you at least play fair? You’d feel better, and so would we.
Listen to Ann Howard on DDI’s Podcast, Holding Women Back: Why gender still matters on today’s career ladder.
Ann Howard is the Chief Scientist for Development Dimensions International (DDI).


Recent Comments