Terrible Career Advice for Women - Kathy Caprino

Terrible Career Advice for Women I love reading Penelope Trunks posts theyre always thought-provoking, controversial and stimulating.   Im thankful that she has a large voice and an even larger audience because she is able to prod  so many of us to  think about what we truly believe, in comparison with and contrast to her very strident views. I must say, though, that her recent post on BNET Terrible Career Advice Women Give Each Other really got me going, and I have a feeling it will arouse a vigorous response from you too. Please do check it out!    And read my comments on her post here: Penelope, youre always interesting to read and ponder, but sometimes you get it SO wrong. This is one of those times. Wrong, wrong, wrong, and so skewed to the negative. Everything youve shared flies in the face of what I know to be true as a woman, a high-level professional, a trained therapist, and a career coach whos helped hundreds of women succeed on their own terms. First, Ive been sexually harassed at work, and its hellacious. I didnt do anything about it just to save my skin and my job and let me tell you, thats the wrong advice. For Gods sake, if you encourage women to grin and bear it and shut up about it, what does that say about you as an advocate for women, and about the future we can expect for women in the workplace? Yes, what you do about harrassment depends on the gravity of the situation, but if its grave, you must find a true advocate (even if its outside the organization) and speak up. Secondly, I was married at 30, had two fantastically beautiful children at 34 and 37. Im 50 now, and it all unfolded as I wanted it to. Women need to decide for themselves when to marry and when to have kids. If they listen to you (or anyone else) about it, theyre barking up the wrong tree. Its absurd to advise a woman about this its a deeply personal issue. Thirdly, of course books dont make you a good leader you make you a good leader. But reading, exploring, inquiring, learning, and stretching yourself through powerful books and ideas is a terrific way to become more of who you really are. Sometimes I wish your views werent always so skewed to the extreme negative its fun that youre a contrarian, but its not as beneficial as it could be that your writings are so overwhelming bleak. Spice it up with some positivity, will you? But thanks, as always, for getting us going! _______________________________________________________ So folks, Id LOVE to hear from you.   PLEASE! leave a comment below.   What do you think about Penelopes views, and mine.    Share your voice!   Give us some great career advice for women puleese!