Allow Others Access to the Ladder
This past weekend I attended the Queen's Women in Leadership Conference in Kingston, Ontario. Delegates from across Canada participated in a number of workshops and heard from various speakers over the course of a VERY jam-packed 72 hours.
Robyn Tingley, the Founder of GlassSky Inc.; an organization focused on diversity and equity, was one of the keynote speakers that delegates had the pleasure of hearing from. She offered an endless stream of ideas and tips that I'm sure I will put to good use in any situation I find myself in, whether it's during my professional career or while still at school. However, one concept that was brought up truly "sparked" something inside of me (I know, very cliché).
When you're successful or are on your way to success, don't bring the ladder up with you.
In a society constantly concerned with the progression and attainment of equal status for women, it's empowering to see so many females in high positions of power and leadership roles. Those women have worked and fought hard for their seat at the table and should be recognized for what they've gone through to get to where they are today. There are so many females in my life who I have seen make their way up the "leadership ladder" and make a great impact in their respective industries, professions, and sectors.
With that being said, females in positions of power often find themselves threatened by other women who too, are on their way to becoming successful and taking on a leadership role. While it may even be our instinct to constantly question whether others actually want us "at the table" or if we "have what it takes", it's important to avoid putting others down.
We CAN'T all be at the top and that's a well-known, inevitable fact of life. But here's the thing. We CAN do our best to support and help those around us achieve their goals. Odds are that if you're even the slightest bit successful in some aspect or area of your life, there's someone looking up to you, whether you know it or not. As females within the workplace and at university, we should recognize the importance of letting others succeed. This doesn't mean that you have to pass up that position you worked endless hours for so that someone else can have it. It means making a conscious effort to connect with people in purposeful ways that makes both your time and theirs worthwhile. Here are a few things you CAN do:
1. Be a mentor to a younger student at your university.
2. Encourage others to apply for positions they would be a great fit for.
3. Open up the discussion so that everyone at the table, no matter their position, are able to add to the conversation (they may end up surprising you).
4. Nominate your co-workers, friends, family, professors, etc. for awards they deserve.
And...most importantly...
5. Learn to be happy for others (you can't expect them to be happy for you if you don't help them celebrate their own achievements as well).
What steps are you going to take in order to create an ultimately inclusive, supportive environment for the people in your life?
About the writer: Emily Yach is a second year Commerce student at Dalhousie University. She is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Rowe Women in Business Association and will be joining the Assurance team at EY Halifax in January of 2019.
