In the opening scene to The Office episode “the Return”, Andy Rurnard walks in after a sabbatical for anger management.  When he sees Jim (his co-worker) he asks Jim to call him Drew from now on. When Jim coldly tells Andy that he won’t be calling him Drew, Andy takes a deep breathe and reminds himself, as if back in counseling, “I can’t change you, I can only change me!”

When it comes to the work place I’m a firm believer in teaching others how to treat you, but this can only go so far, before master manipulating takes place.  When all is done on your end with healthy boundaries and honest communication in the work place reminding yourself that you can’t change people is a freeing thought.

As a woman in the work place this is a hard thought to grasp and/or just except in general.  Now I’m being very bold here and will use generalities which I normally hate but women have an up hill battle in the area of stereotypes.  There are many negative stereotypes linked with the female gender and when there is even the smallest demonstration of these characteristics the repercussions are quick and harsh.

Women in leadership are watched and judged on a much greater scale.  Is this far, no it’s not…but it’s reality.  So, as women we need to deal with it.  Women can’t always change how men view them, but we can stay professional and learn to detach.

Tomorrow’s post includes some practical ways to trouble shoot these situations and move forward.