I recently had the pleasure of teaming up with two of my gal pals to discuss the topic of sending the elevator back down for other women. I pitched this idea to Jordan and Jazmyn because I saw, and still see, a great need for this conversation to be brought to the forefront of conversations among women. This topic, for most women, is the elephant in the room. That’s likely the case because you’re either a part of the problem or you’re a victim of the problem. In this post, we briefly touch on the topic, but Jazmyn, Jordan, and I took a really deep dive on Episode 51 of Jaz’s podcast, Le Haute Paire. I highly encourage that you take time to go listen because this post alone doesn’t do our discussion, nor this topic, any justice!
Why You Should Support Other Women
We live in a society built on patriarchy. I could technically end my point there, but I won’t. This society has always been built on the principles of “the boys club.” For many years, men have worked hard to keep women out of places where decisions are being made and poker is being played. In turn, women have been subconsciously pitted against each other because “there’s only one seat at the top for a woman and I want it to be me.”
Women haven’t felt comfortable sending the elevator back down in fear of their position being taken or their shine being stolen. I can understand how this may have been necessary for women in the workplace 30 years ago, but what I cannot understand is why women still do it in 2020. Women should be in a place where they are now climbing ladders and building another next to it to help the other woman get to the top faster. There is enough room for all of us at the table now! We can pull a seat up for sis to sit right next to us.
Jordan made an amazing point in our podcast where she says something along the lines of, “why would I want to keep you away from the table when my goal is to get to the next table? I’m warming the seat up for you, sis, and I’ll have the next seat warm for you too when you’re ready!” We have to be willing to reach back down to where we were and bring other women up to where we are.
I read an amazing Forbes article that talks about the “power in the pack.” This article talks about how women face unconscious bias in the workplace and suggest that the best way to overcome workplace hurdles is to form close connections with other women. Find your voice together and build circles of trust because we are all experiencing similar things in the workplace and in the real world! Women have it hard enough, let’s not make it harder on each other. Whether in the workplace, on the internet, or in passing we should be building each other up in whatever capacity that we can.
There is more “power in the pack” than you realize. Together we have to understand that we can get far more accomplished by collaborating instead of competing. Build sis up instead of cutting your eyes at her! Ask sis how you can support her instead of trying to sabotage her work. Share resources with sis so that she can grow instead of fearing that she’ll steal your shine. It’s enough money, shine, and seats at the (MF) table for all of us.
3 Ways To Support Other Women
Practice Being Mindful: Take a conscious stance to support the women around you. Share their posts on social media, I promise it won’t take away from your followers. Comment on their sponsored posts for algorithm purposes, I promise it won’t take away from your partnerships. Think about how you can be a better support a female coworker who may be in a position that you once were in. Be mindful of your actions to other women and how you can support them.
Build A Tribe: Connect with more women in organic and genuine ways. Set aside time for lady chats or coffee dates. My favorite thing to do is get together with former female coworkers, over early morning coffee or evening drinks, and check-in. Create opportunities for you both to foster feelings of togetherness and always be open and understanding to build on that.
Be A Mentor, Get A Mentor: Think back to a time when you wanted someone to be there for you. Now go and be that person for another woman. What good is power without purpose?
Thank you, Jazmyn & Jordan!
Jordan and Jazmyn were so kind as to see the vision and execute it with me. I appreciate them so much for that! These two ladies were perfect for this topic because we are always supporting each other’s personal and professional endeavors. Please please please take some time out to get check out Jordan’s blog, Love Always, JoJo, and podcast, When Life Gives You Curves. And again, also take time to check out Jazmyn’s podcast Le Haute Paire! Oh! And don’t forget to grab your “No Is A Full Sentence” tee!
