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Friday, October 20, 2006

And we wonder why we have no credibility?

It's not just me! I have recently spoken with many other SERIOUS business women who are becoming more and more dis-illusioned with how women conduct themselves in the business arena. I have been quite disgusted with Belinda Stronach and her actions over the last several years - displaying no loyalty and in fact behaving in ways we criticize men for! Where is the integrity? Recently, I ran a women's business meeting where I openly promoted a female politician - and in fact congratulated her for stepping up to the plate to run for a leadership position. At the end of the meeting I asked other women to support her by purchasing a membership through her. The next morning I awoke to news reports indicating she had pulled from the race. Now I can assure you she did not decide this in 8 shourt hours. In fact it was reported everywhere that she had made the decision a week before. She sat through the entire meeting - letting me promote her - not once letting me know quietly that she was not going continue in the leadership race - knowing full well that people would be buying memberships to support her efforts. Now that lacks integrity. I would have expected her to tell me privately before the meeting and ask that I keep the information to myself. Instead I encouraged people to support her. Further to that I recently offered a premium service to a woman in the financial services industry. She wanted to sign a contract for advertising - and I asked her to wait a few days and ensure that it was what she really wanted. She called back several times indicating she wanted her 'spot' reserved and faxed a signed contract to me as well as a promise to courier a cheque to me. To save her the cost of the courier - I knew I would be seeing her in several days - I offered to get the cheque when I saw her. In the meantime I advised all other competitors the spot she took was taken. Well you guessed it. She sent a brief email a week later saying the advertising would not be permitted by head office. So, yes, I checked. They had approved the advertising. After confronting her with this she admitted she had changed her mind. Well ladies - after you sign a contract - changing your mind is not an option. These behaviours are becoming more and more prevalent within the business world - but I certainly did not expect to see women - who claim they bring their morals to work with them - display this type of behaviour. Add to these actions - women saying they will do something - and not doing it. Or not finishing what they start. Or arriving late with no regard for others. Or expecting priviledges because they are a woman. No wonder we have no credibility! Here is how the best get better - and keep their integrtiy: 1) Be on time 2) Do what you say you will do 3) Finish what you start 4) Tell the truth 5) Say please and thank you. If we did these few things - imagine it - people might believe us when we say something. Hey and maybe we would even gain a few more friends and customers who respect us.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

If everybody read the book, The Four Agreements, and truly followed the teachings this would not be an issue. Let's not give women the distinction of being non-commital and out of integrity..We are greater than that. Rise up women and show what we are really made of! Living la vida fearless, Jan

Anonymous said...

I too was at that meeting where the lady - using that term loosely - as a real lady would have been honest and up front about the fact she was not going to continue as a candidate in the race to become our province's next premier. If this is the way she conducts all of her business, all I can say is I am glad she has decided to drop out. However, what this has done is once again given women a bad name. Her lack of respect towards the attendees at this event and to you as the organizer is not acceptable behaviour from anyone - male or female.

I do appreciate the fact I was able to purchase a membership that evening conveniently as I will know cast my vote to the person I feel will continue to run the province of Alberta in a responsible manner.

Anonymous said...

Hello Ladies!
I agree with the " stick to your word and guns principles"...
It makes life so much easier! No one has to remember what they said- note: that when small little white lies turn into large white snow balls...backtracking is a bad thing!

One comment- spell checking that little list would have been more effective. We all do it...welcome to human err.
Merry Christmas!~ Happy New Year!May
We All Prosper in All Ways!
Tracy
Designs by O'Brien, Richmond Hill,ON

Mommy of 5 said...

I agree with you, you are only as good as your word..especially when you work virtually. Great post!