Hierarchy in the Office Sandbox

Wasn’t it so much easier when girls could just play house and joyfully prance around with each other wearing our grosgrain bows and smock dresses? Now that we have entered the office sandbox, apparently us females can no longer play nice when it comes to hierarchy.  According to a recent survey by Lifetime Women's Pulse, woman across all ages would rather work for a man than a woman.

Who’s to blame? In the traditionally male dominated world of finance, does the lower-level female feel the novelty of being a woman is dismissed when another female manages her? Is she resentful at the possibility that she may one day turn into her power-hoarding bitch of a boss?  Or maybe, just maybe, does the female boss feel threatened by having a younger, more wrinkle-free version of herself in her office domain?

In reality, most likely both parties succumb to the insecurities that being a woman in the workplace presents and project them on the other.  Ah yes, but society and the expectations it sets for female managers does deserve its due credit.  By nature women are supposed to be sensitive, compassionate and emotional; however, this is in direct contrast to the logical and authoritative qualities expected of an office manager, a role formed by the precedent of males.  Thanks.

Re-tweaking society’s expectations is certainly a large feat. Alas, in the mean time.  Be nice.  To female lower-level employees: cut your female boss a break and remember how hard playing a dual role must be.  To female bosses: remember that you are unfortunately expected to embody conflicting qualities and that nixing the sensitive, emotional side is not in the spirit of championing yourself as a female.    

To both: think back to the times when we didn’t care who got to wear the queen’s crown and who got wear the princess’s tiara and just chill-axe.