Sexual Harassment Is Never Ok

 by Linda Franklin

This is a mind blower. According to a new study, employees who are at higher risk of sexual harassment are getting paid higher salaries. salaries. The pay-off for putting up with possible harassment was an extra 50 cents an hour for men and an additional 25 cents for women.  Really – that much!!

The report published in the American Economic Review, highlights one female mining engineer who preferred to put up with the inappropriate behaviour of male colleagues than take a lower paid job where she would have been treated with more respect.

Companies have traditionally shelled out more to employees who were at risk of being injured or killed.  Now, it’s for sexual harassment.

The economy is not helping this horrible situation I suppose.  With employment over 9 per cent for the last four years, people will endure almost anything to bring home a paycheck..

The study used claims filed with the Equal Employment Opportunities Commission to compare the risks of sexual harassment by sex, age group and industry.

I didn’t have to tell you this but they  found that women were six times more likely to be harassed than their male counterparts. And, the worst offenders were industries that are male dominated. 

I worked on Wall Street, which is totally male dominated, for over 20 years, and didn’t experience sexual harassment. I think it’s because  I let the guys know I had boundaries that could not be crossed.  Working with all men is challenging.  To earn their respect, I had to be good at my job, take criticism well, be supportive, a good listener and always maintain my femininity.  Having accomplished all those things, they knew not to cross the line I had drawn in the sand.

Women should never have to put up with any kind of harassment or discrimination in the workplace.  But, having said that, we are responsible for how we act and learn not to go looking for trouble.

The Real Cougar Woman is a 5-carat diamond who knows the importance of taking care of her health, beauty, relationships, finances and spirituality. Linda Franklin says,” there is no stopping a woman who has a strong belief system and a dream.  All things are possible”.  Linda’s book, Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am helps women of all ages tap into their power and live life to the fullest.

Alpha Females Are Lagging Behind At Work

by Linda Franklin  

 

Women of today are a match for any man.  But  when we achieve high level positions we have to keep our female traits intact.

 

Researchers at the University of London found that women in the boardroom who suppress their natural skills in dealing with people can become confrontational, and they would fare so much better if they tapped into their feminine qualities of sensitivity and good communication.

Beautiful Women Do Have An Edge

As much as some women protest, looks do matter. Just try getting help with anything when you look particularly frumpy. If you don't believe me get all dolled up and try the same thing again. You are going to get a much more satisfying outcome.  The more attractive version of you will always win out. It's just a fact of life. Actually, there may be a whole different set of rules for the physically fortunate. They slip past velvet ropes, get preferential seating in restaurants, and even smile their way out of traffic tickets…and that's just for starters.

People assume that if a woman is attractive, she possesses other positive traits, such as kindness and intelligence," says behavioral psychologist Stephen Josephson, Ph.D., of Weill Cornell Medical College.

Little wonder then that a study conducted by Daniel Hamermesh, Ph.D., and Jeff Biddle, Ph.D., economics professors at the University of Texas and Michigan State University, respectively, revealed that "plain" people earn 1 to 15 percent less than people with average looks, who in turn earn 1 to 13 percent less than those deemed good-looking.

Job recruiters have come to learn that sending out attractive women will get a much better reaction from their clients. Whether they admit it or not, many employers feel that having pretty female employees will reflect well on their firm.  A few well-placed highlights or a swipe of lipstick creates an aura not only of attractiveness but also of self-confidence. "And when you feel good about yourself, it changes the way you carry yourself.  So find your best features and accentuate the hell out of them.

There is some good news for those who prefer to stay Plain Janes. Stephen Josephson says "occasionally, being pretty can backfire. It's the bimbo effect. If a beautiful woman succeeds, she often finds herself fielding insinuations that her accomplishments are based solely on her looks." And although a 2009Journal of Applied Psychology report found that handsome people do have an edge over their less comely counterparts with regard to salaries, it turns out that intelligence trumps all.

Cougar Women Making Giant Strides in Business

Cougar Woman know that to succeed in the workplace there is one thing that is absolutely necessary.  That all-important ingredient is to believe in yourself and what you are capable of achieving.  Successful women have stopped listening to people who say "you can't do it" and now take great delight in proving the naysayers wrong.

I hear stories every day about fabulous females who have propelled themselves far beyond anything they could have ever imagined.  Even though the odds were stacked against them, they forged ahead.  I am one of those women.  I managed to create a high profile career on Wall Street without a college degree.  That is unheard of.  I was the first Canadian woman to have a seat on The New York Stock Exchange and then go on to manage a trading department for a top rate investment firm.  Being the only woman in a sea of male MBA's was really a lot of fun.

Recently I did an interview with Better TV on how to succeed in business.  It's full of great tips and has more of my story.   I think you might enjoy watching it. 

Don't pay attention to those people who tell you you're too old to try something different because it just isn't true.  If you want something badly enough you are going to find a way to make it happen.

Cougars Getting Help Finding Jobs

I don't
have to tell you that times are tough. This recession has delivered a severe
blow to household incomes all over the country.  Today women who have not
been employed in a long time have no choice but to return to the workforce. Many of
these women are the Real Cougars in our community.  I have talked to many of them and they are nervous. They want to work but also want flexible work hours. They have found that can be a
daunting task.

To try and
find some answers I spoke with Allison O'Kelly, CEO of Mom Corps.  Her
company offers full service staffing in Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, New York and Washington.  They also offer franchising  opportunities to select markets throughout the United States.What's really great is Allison's specialty is finding jobs for women that offer
flexible hours.

Here's how it works. Mom Corps supply companies top-tier, professionals
“on demand”, while enabling their candidates seeking flexibility to pursue
their professional careers. With Mom Corps, companies have immediate access to
top talent. Once registered, candidates can search and apply directly to active
jobs, access resume writing services, attend Mom Corps University workshops,
and find tips, articles, and information on their “MOM-ents” blog to help them
transition back into the workforce or into a new role.

Employers post jobs, search candidates, view resumes matching their
criteria, and invite top candidates to apply directly to their job. In addition
to offering employers access to candidates through the online Job Board, Mom
Corps also performs contingent searches for clients.

So, if you
are a Real Cougar looking for work, go take a look around Mom Corps.website. They have helped a lot
of women and chances are they can help you too.

Cougars Know The Importance Of Mentors

If you feel stuck and want to propel your business career into high gear, finding the right mentors is crucial.

During my years on Wall Street I had the best mentor.  He challenged me, he taught me and he supported me.  Every time I made a huge stride it was double the fun with a mentor.  I was thrilled to have achieved what I had set out to do, but knowing I had made my mentor proud was the icing on the cake.

It's important to choose a mentor that has already been where you want to go.  In other words someone who walks their own talk.  Someone qualified to provide a detailed roadmap for you to follow.  

A mentoring relationship works both ways.  Don't expect any mentor to stick around if you are not doing your part.  What do I mean by that?  Do what they tell you to do – no excuses.  Will you be nervous as you set out to test unchartered waters?  Of course you will, but you have to do it anyway.  Your mentor doesn't expect you to get it right the first time but they do expect you to give it everything you've got.

So, if you are looking for a mentor, look around and see who inspires you.  Let people in your network know you are looking for a mentor. And most of all be persistent.  Having the right mentor will pay off big time I promise you that.