Idea theft and a benefit of being (a little) boyish

I read this interesting Forbes article today a friend of mine linked to about whether men are routinely taking credit for women’s ideas in the workplace.

Thankfully, I work in a place that is very female- and family-friendly, but even so, I have certainly experienced this. I’d say it happened more often at previous jobs, and I can think of one very specific incident at my current job. I’d proposed an idea that turned out to be extremely successful for an event the college I work for was putting on. At the follow-up meeting after the event, my boss congratulated a higher-ranking male employee for his great idea. Now that male employee was at the meeting where that idea came up, and he did play a large role in planning and executing the event. But the idea was definitely mine.

What did I do? I let it slide. Maybe I should have spoken up, but it seemed like it would be attention grabby and petty-seeming.

After my initial post last night, I spent some time today considering the type of balance I hope to find in life, and this article made me consider what might be considered more feminine habits I’ve developed in the workplace.

The article suggests that many women are more passive and less confident than men in their presentation of ideas, and I find that to be true for me. I don’t know that I believe that to be an inherently feminine trait, but in the business world, it seems to at least be considered one.

It’s an aspect of my life where I don’t necessarily feel the tomboy side of me is prevalent enough. There are times when my confidence shines through, and I am able to persuade people that my ideas are not just possibilities but they are right. But I could use a little more straightforwardness in the workplace.

I think it’s important for me to understand this about myself: I will never entirely abandon the tomboy side of me, but I can grow into a better, wiser person by evaluating my habits. There are things about myself I want to change, but knowing the core of who I am is key to being the person I want to be.