Stilettos, Pumps in the Workplace??: Fashionable Career Lifts or Detriment to Women in Leadership?

Like most women, I am addicted to shoes. Not just any kind of shoe, I am hands down, no questions asked, borderline need a professional intervention addicted to stilettos. I live by two life mantras: (1) don't think, buy the shoes and (2) you can do whatever you put your mind to, and you can do it in stilettos ~The Great, Kimora Lee Simmons!!! My predilection for stiletto heels is well known, the stiletto to flats ratio in my closet is at a daunting 12:1. I wear stilettos every where - in my house (yes I still like to play dress up!), to church, out on the town and undoubtedly at work. I am so used to wearing my high heels that it is really second nature to me. Now don't get me to telling stories, this ain't for the weak or feeble ankled. I work in a fast-paced operations environment at a hospital - I am on my feet the majority of the day going from one meeting to the next, from one end of the campus to the next, back and forth, up and down. But its a discomfort I've come to know and love and a conscious choice that I am quite comfortable with. While on occasion I get questions here and there on how I can stand to wear high heels for such long lengths of time, over the last couple of weeks I have noticed that my preference for footwear seems to draw greater attention, from those in awe to those visibly put off. After reflecting on the reactions I'm getting, it brought me to the deeper question: are high heels detrimental to the careers of women in leadership?

I have my own opinion but I took to the internet to better understand what I learned is a much debated topic. Particularly amongst traditional feminists high heels are scoffed at, viewed as another way to oppress women. Those who ascribe to this side of the argument share a deep disdain on how high heel shoes are constructed, distorting women's bodies arguing that heels only serve to turn us into sexual objects and are dangerous to our health. On the other end of the spectrum, modern feminists have reclaimed heels to be a symbol of female empowerment, not subjugation. Some psychologists even support this belief by offering that heels not only elevate the women literally but also psychologically by boosting confidence and assertiveness.

My opinion, you ask? Well just call me a modern feminist! I am an obvious supporter of women in heels. I definitely believe that heels in the workplace accentuate my individuality as a woman, it sets me apart in a male-dominated industry and serves as a reminder that I am a woman and yes I do things differently - however, my strong work ethic and successful output confirms that I still get it done - just like you (no matter what my shoes look like)!!!

SO WHAT DO YOU THINK? Are high heels detrimental to career growth for women? Can women leaders be taken seriously in our sassy yet classy heels? Have you ever been treated or viewed differently because of your choice of footwear in the workplace?

FLOW

flow - (n) the mental state of operation in which the person is fully immersed in what he or she is doing, characterized by a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and success in the process of the activity. ~Daniel Pink

I just finished reading The Adventures of Johnny Bunko: The Last Career Guide You'll Ever Need by Daniel H. Pink. Without revealing too much of the book, I'll say Pink hit the nail on the head with the 6 key lessons of a successful career. A quick read (literally only took about 20 minutes) bearing the style of a comic book, the author uses the experience of Johnny Bunko to impress upon the readers some career pearls that many of us know - yet find so hard to actually incorporate in our own lives due to day to day reality. How many of us would love to simply do what we felt we were born to do, without the pressures of making money, or paying dreadful bills - where dey do that at??? I mean, I chat with comcast and sprint on a monthly basis about why they just won't let me live ---like give me this account and let's forget the formalities of paying bills and fees, it would just be so much easier! More often than not, many of my friends are still just trying to come up so making the leap to following a passion is way off. After reading the book, I am even more certain on what I knew before - finding your flow isn't easy but it's certainly not impossible; and I think everyone should!

Many of us lose sight of finding our flow, while in the midst of the daily grind. I think that comes with the territory of taking on and managing responsibility. I think the key is finding balance on how to do what you have to do to be able to do what you want to do. Many of you know, a major focus of this blog and things to come as a result of this venture is promoting leadership and developing new leaders - particularly young ladies. I hope this post promotes thought on trying to find that balance and look out for a few features on a couple of folks I know that are doing a good job with the balancing act.

Sooo, check out the book...it's cool, it's brief and there is one rule that I don't entirely agree with - anyone who knows me probably knows which one it is!! Tee hee.