Lady Like

You may have noticed that this posting is a day or so late. Sorry about that, but this one was a mental struggle. The subject of this entry was a tough call—you be the judge of whether or not it was a good one.

It's no secret that women don't do a great job talking about their accomplishments (A Lesson Learned). I felt like I was making progress on this front (albeit not much), until the other day. You see, each year our women's initiative publishes an annual report. It's a way to look back over the year's work and take stock of everything that's been accomplished—and what we have still to do.

Well, this is that time of year; our WIN annual report is hot off the press. And it's good—very good. I'll go as far as to say that it's world class. World class in terms of its content and results, the delivery of such, and the remarkable transparency that it provides into our inner workings—statistics and all.

So, what's the problem? Well, my team, who worked very hard compiling the report, suggested that I write a blog about it. (Suggested isn't exactly the right word; it's more like implored.) You see, they are proud of their effort and of our WIN efforts overall.

My thought was, in a word, nah. It just doesn't feel right. I mean weren't we always told that it isn't lady-like to brag?

Well, as you can see I am writing about this topic which means that I am either easily swayed (not likely) or that the team made a very compelling point. Why not let others know that we continue to set the market when it comes to women in the workplace, fitting life in to work and work into life, and various and sundry related topics? Well? Well why not, I suppose.

Yes, we have much to be proud of—our progress and results are nothing short of extraordinary. And, we have a long way to go. There is still more to do. We will keep improving—building our pipeline of talented women, creating strength from diversity, delivering on our full potential of making our organization the best for everyone—women and men.

So, whatta ya think. A good call? Or do I need a little more time in lady-like finishing school?

Cathy

By blogger Cathy Benko, Deloitte LLP

Comments

[Diane in Henderson]

No doubt, women bragging about success just appears as women bragging. In a world where successful financial and business professional women are still in a minority, we must find the appropriate venue to present these successful results. The report you present does just that.

Let's get it in front of as many and as varied as possible, groups that can benefit from the information, be inspired by the results and look to Deloitte as a leader in promoting successful financial female professionals. As a CPA, CFO, Speaker and Strategic Corporate Business Mentor and author of "A Woman's Ladder To Success is Paved with Broken Glass Ceilings" I emphasize the importance of FACTS and the Presentation of those facts as the key to recognition for women without the baggage of the female persona. With 35% of the MBA's female, yet only 2% of the Fortune 500 CEO's female, well I rest my case! Great Job!

[Shruti in Hyderabad]

This is the first time am reading your blog. It was a great feeling reading about fellow women. I intend to go back and read the rest of the blogs (yes, i enjoy reading). I always wanted to attend one of WIN's meets in our office, but procrastinated. But reading this, I am all for attending the very next session! I will also make my team members aware of this.

About this blog, it was a good call. No harm in letting people know how good we are.

Thanks.

[Shannon in Denver]

Um...I don't think you bragged enough. :-)

[Pat in Berkeley]

When women of my generation talk about our accomplishments, our usual experience has been either (1) the success of the project is attributed to our male colleagues or supervisors or (2) people simply don't believe we actually did it and accuse us of lying or exagerating. Our reluctance to talk often has nothing to do with being "shy" or "ladylike".

[Colette in NYC]

I'm glad that you chose to brag about the accomplishments of WIN etc. You and your team are doing great work! One of the four components of my career development model (Competent Advantage) is create a "buzz" about your accomplishments. Of course, this presumes that you've been keeping track of them over the year.
http://competent-advantage.blogspot.com

[Kajri in Chicago]

Cathy, Acknowledging the accomplishments and hard work of your team is a sign of a good leader, so who says it shouldn’t apply to you or any other lady?? We are in an era that is redefining what is lady-like behavior, so out with old and in with the new! We might have to call attention to our successes or brag right now, but in the long run continued success will attract attention by itself. You are doing the right thing because you’re establishing your team and WIN as trail blazers.

[Selfmademom in Chicago]

If you can't use your blog to brag (blag?), well then what good is it? Kudos! Great blog. http://selfmademom.net

[Dawn in McLean]

Good call Cathy. As one of my mentors keeps telling me, we ladies need to do a better job of "self-promotion" and making others aware of a job well done.

[Jannie in Dallas]

You absolutely made the right call! We must brag on ourselves - it helps us when we say aloud to each other that we are doing good things! Bragging doesn't mean we're claiming we've arrived. It means we're proud we're making the journey!

[Judi in Atlanta]

I think we have a lot to be proud of and the annual report certainly tells us why...but it is also honest and discusses the road yet to be traveled. So I say we should toot our own horn...and we have...in a classy and lady like way. We deserve to celebrate our accomplishments.

[Ellie in San Jose]

Cathy, I think it was entirely appropriate for you to blog on this - good call by your team. In fact, I hope you do it again and give us your insights on some of what you think are the real highlights or interesting aspects of the report.

[Teresa in Portland]

Cathy, you absolutely should toot your horn about this, for you and for everyone who helped to make the year a great success. I'd like to recommend a book: "Brag! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Without Blowing It" by Peggy Klaus. We all need to be more comfortable with "bragging." Bragging is positive when it is an artful and sincere communication about yourself. Bragging is only negative if done inappropriately or obnoxiously. (Neither of which apply to this blog!) To learn more about how to brag take the Brag self evaluation at www.bragbetter.com and learn to brag with ease and comfort! (not that it is all that easy....) (PS I am not related to the author but did read the book and wrote a book review for the Oregon Women Lawyers quarterly magazine.) Thank you for all you do for the women of Deloitte!

[Patricio in San Francisco]

I am very happy that you made the choice to brag... definitely NOT Victorian Lady-like... but 2007 lady-like! We have moved to a different place in society, and our organization is one of the pioneers in this specific area... and you (we) have a lot to brag about! Congratulations on a wonderful year, and let's keep the momentum up! Written by a gentleman (or 2007 dude!).