Respect Is Earned

If we like it, shouldn't we do it? NO.

This was the recent exchange between myself and an adamant lady at a recent talk I gave where I expressly stated that women lose respect in the workplace when they constantly do the traditional female tasks. Don't be the note taker just because you're the girl. Don't always buy the boss their holiday gift or plan the annual party. These tasks may endear you to your peers but they won't see you as a leader. Regardless of whether or not you like doing them, only do administrative tasks when it is your turn. Respect is earned, ladies and gentlemen, and though this may sound ridiculous to some of you I promise you that doing tasks that are seen as domestic skills change the way women are viewed in the workplace.

Additionally this sentiment holds true in our personal lives. Recently I went to a painful gathering that my husband used as his trump card for the 10 million favors he has done for me lately. I was talking with a group of ladies who joked about not bringing their designated "party contribution" because the host was such a Betty Crocker that she would over compensate anyway. As I watched this super woman, the hostess, operate on what I am convined had to be cool-aid spiked with amphetamines, I wanted to say, "DEMAND MORE. Don't let these vultures take advantage of you."All the parties were her responsibility, her husband bragged that she did a better job than his mother. As I watched her smile seeming to be happy I felt that facade concealed her secret organized mental breakdown.

Change can happen anytime for any reason. People treat you the way you allow yourself to be treated.