Women are taking up leadership roles at work. Too many expectations put pressure on them, and they are not well rewarded for their contributions, which, at times, just get ignored or are taken for granted. The anxiety levels at work and home too are growing for them.
A newly promoted woman chief struggled to get people into office or meetings during Friday afternoons and Monday mornings. Her own executive assistant was not in office at that time. Customers were complaining and sales seemed to be going down. When she issued a circular demanding physical presence at office, it shocked people. She was booed by both women and men, citing the need for work-life balance. Her own family was not fully supporting her as they wanted her contribution at home too. Work-life balance was not there for her.
She had been in touch, and we met and discussed the issue. An open discussion with the Board and her leadership team was initiated. She demanded from me a solution that has work-life balance and performance. But my job was to help her find her solutions and discuss them, while allowing her to choose what she deems fit as she is in the driver’s seat. She also shared that as a young grandmother, she was unable to spend time with her only grandchild because of stress at work. She was guilty about mismanaging the household. In comparison with other spouses, mothers and grandmothers, she found herself different. Time off for personal relaxation came at a premium, and she would often take short naps. She felt bad that during her menopause, only a few understood and helped her at work and home. There was always a to-do list, and pressure would fill any free time.
