There’s No Reason

I recently had a fellow Kick Ass Lady share a familiar story with me. It was familiar because it sounded an awful lot like my own. Unfortunately, too many ladies have experienced it.
 
And there’s no reason.
 
It’s called the ‘Pass and Go.’
 
One woman sees an opportunity to pass the other and go. She chooses to accelerate herself to the next level of leadership and speed up her career. Alone. She passes in the left lane without signal, no courtesy wave, not even a mini warning sign is present.
 
‘Pass and Go’ takes place at full speed. You barely see it. But it happens. The lanes merge and one of you must move. The road narrows quickly and instead of offering to inch forward so one can follow the other’s leadership path, or stopping to construct a better road wide enough for both leaders, someone must exit. It’s a hard exit. It’s unanticipated and you’re not familiar with the landscape. Your only choice is to look in the rear view mirror and reflect.
 
In my personal experience with the ‘Pass and Go’ my fellow female leader knew what was happening. I knew it too. Exposure existed, and growth could have been gained.We could have made steps toward better communication, a more productive and positive relationship, a new appreciation for different working styles and diverse thoughts - it was all there...out in the open, on the table, ready to be solved.
 
But no.
 
Why are women not bringing other women along on the leadership path? Why are women not offering mentorship, support and wisdom to other aspiring female leaders instead of executing the ‘Pass and Go?’ This selfish act delays women’s growth, their potential and future success. It only benefits one woman and is executed in a scarcity mindset.
 
As women, why do we do this to one another?
 
Especially when we have access to research the proves female leadership benefits the workplace. 
 
Why aren’t more women helping each other to the top? Frankly, I’m not interested in find the answer. I don’t believe in the scarcity mindset or the ‘Pass and Go.’ I simply must ask the question because it carries no logic. It holds no truth. It forges zero path for growth and creativity. It does not support the greater good for women and it is the polar opposite of a positive approach to leadership.
 
When the moment is available (and to be clear, it is almost always available), bring a future female leader in your space, share your knowledge and invite her into your network.
 
I will never forget when I moved to the exit lane. I’m guessing my fellow Kick Ass Lady will never forget it either.
 
I smiled, turned and walked gracefully to a new road.
 
Today I’m happy to be traveling to meet another Kick Ass Lady. I have deep respect for her as one of my former leaders. Without hesitation, she always made room for me in the lane next to her and took me on the leadership road. I will be forever grateful for her.
 
There’s no reason not to.
 
Smiles from my flight: Row 15-Seat B,

sarah watson

You can learn more about Sarah on LinkedIn.