Waste

The current issue of Newsweek (September 25th) has the cover Women & Leadership. I have not had a chance to read the whole thing yet, but what I have read so far, makes me think I will be doing a series of blogs on this issue.

The first thing that I read in this was The Last Word Anna Quindlen "Everyday Equality." The article has really struck home with me. I really like her thoughts on this topic and it seems to line up with what I have been thinking about lately.

She reminded me about how I used to be when I was young and idealistic. It was fun to argue and try and make a point with anyone who would take me on. Can you remember high school and maybe college where these things happened?

She also reminded me how blessed I am to have been born where and when I was. That many women have come before me and made things better for me. And how these women not only elevated themselves but the women around them and the companies that they worked for. More and more, people and companies are starting to see that if a variety of needs are met for families everyone benefits; including the bottom line of the company.

But the point she made about waste is the one that has stuck with me for days. She suggests that we (women) have not been fighting a war against men but really against waste. A waste of talent and the contribution to society that had been missed because of choice forced upon us.

I really like the thought of dismissing the waste. The waste of fighting amongst ourselves should be one of the first things to go, in my opinion. The Mommy Wars is a waste of energy and the focus should be on an issue that HELPS women instead of holds anyone back. There are lots of talented women in and out of the business world that can make huge contribution to society.

I feel that this way of thinking is more productive and closer to reality that the ideas of Linda Hirshmen (previously sited in this blog). Not that Ms. Hirshmen did not have some points, but I do not think she was doing anything to make matters better. While this way of thinking seems to have many productive possibilities for women to embrace. And after all, no group can be ignored when they are big enough or loud enough, or as pointed out in this magazine, if you can earn enough money.

Ms Quindlen sites a report from 2004 that Fortune 500 corporations with the most women in top positions yielded on average, 35% higher return on equity that those with the fewest women in top positions. This was a shocking statistic to me. Why is this not getting more attention??? Who would not want to have a 35% higher return on their money? Luckily, there are many in positions that can effect change that have seen this trend. And businesses are becoming more friendly to the idea of bringing women back into the workforce after they have chosen to leave for their families (young or old).

I am excited by this whole thing. I feel like we are on the edge of some sweeping changes. I really feel like women are about to make some big steps. This edition of Newsweek is full of encouraging articles that I feel the need to comment on. I hope that you find it interesting and enlightening as well.

Coming soon, Mompreneurs and Finding new on-ramps.