Put Yourself in the Proper Context

Have you ever noticed that when analyzing a situation, people always "put things in context"? They consider extenuating circumstances, which includes the conditions they perceive to have created difficulties or enhanced performance.

This is an issue for women, because if people are not used to having women in male-dominated roles they will automatically be seen as "out of context." They will have doubts about their ability to perform, not only affecting their perception but that of the women in those roles as well. We end up with "doubt all around."

I learned this when I was the only woman appointed to a very political board. In an effort to help two warring fractions find middle ground, I consented to a meeting. Neither side were interested in compromise and as a reward for my time and effort one group made me the victim of a smear campaign. I was hurt, angry, and confused, and questioned my judgment. But I was also able to step back and recognize that I was being set up.

As a woman, these guys thought I was an easy mark, but they under-estimated the strength that my well-connected mentor and effective network brought to the equation. My supporters said, "Let's consider the context. These guys are known trouble-makers and Betty-Ann always works to find a productive solution. We're on her side."

Until we get more women in senior positions we'll be "out of context," which will create barriers to our success. People will doubt our abilities and causes us to doubt ourselves. In the interim the best thing we can do is get the endorsement of established leaders by making them our mentors or part of our network. They and other "opinion leaders" will legitimize us.

Improve your context by taking some time today to connect with others. You never know when it will come in handy that they've "put you in context."

After a highly successful career in business, including 26 years with PotashCorp where she was Senior Vice-President, Betty-Ann retired in 2007, the same year that she was named to Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Hall of Fame?. She now works as a speaker, author and mentor and is committed to using her personal and professional experiences to inspire and empower other women. A firm believer in the value women bring to organizations, Betty-Ann explores changing perceptions of male and female roles including candid observations about what she calls "Good Gender Physics" on her blog at http://www.stillettochick.com/. She helps both men and women understand the primary energy of their gender but also accept and appreciate the strengths of their opposite.

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