Gender Bias
1416
Dear Joan:
I just finished reading your advice to the woman executive, who sensed a gender bias in her office environment. I am experiencing the same at my place of work.
I've been a copywriter for the same ad agency for nearly 10 years now. From the start I had to seek out my own training. I've exceeded job expectations and have even developed a guidebook for copywriters in the agency.
Recently, I was asked to create a manual of Standard Operating Procedures for my department. My supervisor trusts that I'm the most able among the writers to do this as I've had the most experience.
A number of account execs personally request me to work on their accounts saying my copy is creative, fresh and always on time.
And yet . . .
Two young men were recently hired as copywriters. One had no experience. The other had a few years at another agency. The one with experience was hired as a "Senior Copywriter," a position it took me 7 years to get into -- and only because I pushed the issue with my then-boss.
Both have been sent to very high-cost conventions and classes to learn the business and have been invited to conduct in-office seminars to share their learning. One of the conventions they both got to attend so they could learn the latest in video production.
Before I came to the agency I was a screenwriter, and produced scripts for the Department of Defense for 5 years. After that I had my own freelance videography business before being hired as an Arts Director for an organization where I produced videos for 8 years... one which was featured in a film festival. An independent publisher printed and sold a book I wrote on how to produce video for amateurs. The publisher's president personally wrote me a letter saying it was one of the best "how-to" books he'd ever read on video production, and that he knew that because he'd also worked in the business. (I am also a published playwright.)
All that to say, I feel my experience has been ignored as our agency starts developing a new "Digital Marketing" department. Apparently, technical media like video, Internet communications and social networking is considered "male." They did send one woman to the video convention -- a very young and attractive woman, whom they allow to help out in the editing room.
A few months back, a small number of people in our Creative Department and Account Services Department were asked to complete a Personal Development Plan. I heard about it and asked why I was not offered that opportunity. "Oh, yes, you can take a look at what Tim did and fill one of those out if you want to," was my supervisor's response.
How should I respond?
By the way, the other day I began to express my frustration to the Executive Creative Director. He told me that account execs often ask for me to work on their accounts -- so I should feel good about that. He also reminded me that I make very good cupcakes -- something else I should be proud of.
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
Answer:
Gender bias is a little like a slow gas leak. It’s barely noticeable to most people but it poisons the environment, just the same. In the right conditions over time, all it takes is one incendiary event—and enough build up-- and the whole place blows up.
From the outside, it appears you are extremely capable but taken for granted. If you push the gender bias you experience and complain to other leaders, like you started to do with the Executive Creative Director, you are likely to get sarcasm and annoyance. I say that because your complaint was met with a dismissive attitude.
It’s unfortunate, but I suspect your condition may worsen. For example, you may get defensive remarks such as, “Since when did you get so sensitive? Of course we value your work! We let you work on the X file don’t we?” “Well if you think we are a bunch of male chauvinists I guess we’d better start sending you to conventions.” Then behind your back the eye rolling and comments….
The good news is for many workplaces, gender bias has greatly diminished but I still see it and hear about it across the spectrum. Corporate culture is the key factor, and senior management sets the tone for the entire organization.
In image conscious fields like advertising, PR, beauty, fashion, there is no doubt the young and beautiful have the advantage. Is it fair? Of course not, but it’s reality.
What can you do about it?
- You can raise your own stink and see if you get more opportunities. With good humor and/or pointed questions, you can start raising awareness.
- You can be more assertive about using your high marks from clients to get more choice work and opportunities.
- You can look for a new job—including with one of your clients, who love your work.
- You can do nothing and continue doing good work.
- You can upgrade your own image and see if it has any impact on your career.
I wish I had the silver bullet but this issue is hard to prove and causes a defensive backlash when the issue is raised. If you want to advance your career and you feel stymied where you work, I’d go look for a more enlightened organization.
Your career is your responsibility. Create your own job security by acting more like an entrepreneur at work. Learn how to “sell” your skills to your organization, add more value on the job, develop your internal advocates and identify your personal motivators with Joan Lloyd’s Success Strategies to Boost Your Career & Help Your Organization. (CD & Workbook) Take charge of your career, today!
Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions? Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd? Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:
Good managers know that employee satisfaction is essential to healthy teamwork, initiative and productivity. Based on an in-depth study of the most innovative ideas in creating a culture where employees thrive, our recruiting & retention tools have all the secrets you will need to find and keep the best employees.
Joan Lloyd is a Milwaukee based executive coach and organizational & leadership development strategist. She is known for her ability to help leaders and their teams achieve measurable, lasting improvements. Joan Lloyd & Associates, specializes in leadership development, organizational change and teambuilding, providing: executive coaching, CEO coaching & team coaching, 360-degree feedback processes, customized training (leadership skills, presentation skills, internal consulting skills & facilitation skills), team conflict resolution and retreat facilitation.
Email
Joan to submit your question for consideration for publication, request permission to reprint an article for distribution, or for information about carrying Joan Lloyd's weekly column in your publication, or on your Internet or Intranet site. Visit
JoanLloyd.com to search an archive of more than 1400 of Joan's articles.
© Joan Lloyd & Associates, Inc.