Success Equaling Less Likability?

As Women do we sell ourselves short? Do we make choices to keep ourselves small and prevent leaps forward even though we think we want that success? Are we masters at self-sabatoge because we “know” that with success comes friendships lost,  supportive people in our life become less so, and our likability factor goes down?

According to statistics with success men become more likable and women become less likable. Why are we allowing this to happen as a society? Is it the self-esteem epidemic? I watched an amazing Ted talk from Sheryl Sandberg COO of Facebook. here is the link if you wish to check it out.

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders

On tonight’s Magical Mondays Virginia and I are discussing juggling being in business and life.  Show starts at 7pm PT, 8pm MT, 9pm CT, 10pm ET.  If you cannot make it live and join us in the chat room, the download is always available after the show, on Blogtalk or on iTtunes.

Juggling Business and Life as Women

We will be chatting about the challenges and rewards of being in business and being a woman who juggles a lot of roles and responsibilities.

Getting ready for this show has caused a lot of pondering.  I am getting nudges and I do know where I am going with my business.  To get there I will have to let go of some of my mommy commitments in the volunteer area of my life. I do feel uncomfortable with that. Feels like I have to make a choice, which is true.  Do men feel this?

I am being called upon to make a bigger commitment to my business, which has grown so much over the last 6 years.  Now, I am being presented with an opportunity to take another leap of faith and go bigger.  Am I ready?  Yes. I say YES.  even though I know it will bring challenges as well as rewards.  I have created my life so that I could do this.  I have an amazing  supportive husband who really does his share so that we can both grow as people and as a family.

I recently heard of a friend who received an amazing opportunity and I am beyond thrilled for him.  Wishing him huge bunches of success.  A part of me does wonder if he would have had that offer had he been a woman.  Probably not. Why in 2013 is this still happening in our society?

I have noticed it in my own life.  People who were friends are no longer supportive as my personal success grows. is it  because of patterns we have as women to be resentful of other successful women because it is proof that it can be done and triggers our lack of ambition?  It may also trigger our resentment because even though we may think we want to have that success we are not willing to accept the consequences.  Success can be lonely. There are generational patterns here.

I do find myself downplaying my achievements instead of shouting them out.  I am going to make a conscious effort to change that.  If I was a man I would be shouting not whispering about my successes.  I have created amazing things in my life, because I am amazing and I will continue to do so.

I believe that by being firm and clear on who I am and standing solidly in that foundation I can move forward and accept the rewards and challenges of success.  Are you all with me?

I believe our roles as women are being redefined on the planet right now.  I look forward to a time when successful women are given the same respect as men.  As a society we can make that happen.  Lets start by celebrating successful women instead of criticizing.

hugs

Reverend Shannon Laackmann B.Msc