It Impacts ALL of Us
The “Women in the Workplace 2022” report shares important data and steps companies can take to achieve gender equity. One trend it examines is women in leadership positions who make decisions to exit one-sided relationships. It’s called the “Great Breakup” and could be more powerful than we realize.
The McKinsey & Company and Leanin.Org report shares how “women are demanding more from work, and they’re leaving their companies in unprecedented numbers to get it. Women leaders are switching jobs at the highest rates we’ve ever seen—and at higher rates than men in leadership positions.” It goes on to say this could have serious implications for companies because women are already significantly underrepresented in leadership.
"Whether you’re a senior leader, mid-level manager or technician, remember the 'Great Breakup' is a professional strategy you have at your fingertips. It’s not a woman-only thing. If your professional relationship is not about the right things, it may be time to re-evaluate."
Women are leaving in part because our priorities differ from our male counterparts. We want DE&I, employee well-being and a work environment with less microaggression. We want to champion others—not just create the appearance of championing others.
I’ve seen the “Great Breakup” in action across the telecom industry and I smile each time I learn another seasoned woman leader has moved to a better place in her career. Talking with some of them, we admit not advocating for ourselves in the early days of our careers. Today, we watch the young, smart professionals around us, and admire their youthful boldness. We don’t think they are watching us.
The McKinsey report says they are and what we do could impact their professional choices in the future.
So, whether you’re a senior leader, mid-level manager or technician, remember the “Great Breakup” is a professional strategy you have at your fingertips. It’s not a woman-only thing. If your professional relationship is not about the right things, it may be time to re-evaluate.
Why? Because it’s not ALL about you. It’s also about those who are watching and learning from you without your knowledge. The gender-neutral quote below says it well.
“Before you are a leader, success is about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is about growing others.” – Jack Welch
