Is our commitment holding us back?

Stephanie and I noticed that many of the successful and influential men we work with had developed important relationships while playing golf. OK that's obvious duh... but it got us thinking and talking.

Rather than trying to elbow our way into this arena (which frankly would be too embarrassing anyway), we thought about networking while doing things we like. Shopping. We both really like shopping. Shoe shopping in particular. We thought this would be a really fun way for women to get to know one another, build relationships, and get some new shoes too.

We started running it by some executive women (our target audience). Unanimously positive feedback - what's not to love about shoe shopping and noshing? But when we asked them if they would commit to attending...

"I can't take that much time off during the day"

"I can't leave my office for three hours during the day"

"you won't find any female executives who will go shopping during the day"

"I can't be associated with such a girly event" 

 .....

"...unless you maybe tie it to some sort of charity?"

So apparently we are still working in the 1950's. 

We will volunteer our time and energy for a good cause...but a fun event to network with other women executives, make connections, learn something, and even make contacts that could help us become better leaders... can't take time during the day to do that. 

Now I understand why most of my women networking events are at 7:30am. UGH.

We have such a strong and passionate commitment to our work, our teams, and our results. This is a wonderful characteristic and is what makes many women successful in getting into management. We will get things done. We will pick up the slack and make up for any weak areas. This is what works.

Unfortunately, without that same commitment to ourselves, we are missing opportunities to continue to grow and learn, to expand our careers, to create deeper and more meaningful professional relationships that can ultimately make work easier and more enjoyable.

friends conspiring (or collaborating)

• Networking is important - take time to get to know people outside your company
• Do things you like to do or are really interested in - life is short, don't waste it (Stephanie and I got to know each other when we took our kids to the zoo - we talked business the whole time)
• Sometimes it is hard to meet new people - smile and listen, and find the connections

I'm afraid we aren't taking care of ourselves - and we aren't finding our work fulfilling enough. Too many of us are burned out and irritable. Work (and life) is so much more fun when you have friends supporting you.