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Cleavage
In The Workplace - Yes or No?
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No.
Let me expand on that. No NO!
I could stop there but think it is important to explain my opinion to the women
(and some men) reading this and calling me old-fashioned. You say
old-fashioned...I say gender issues expert with powerful knowledge about the
impact of testosterone.
I'm sure you've all seen the numbers. Such as men think about sex "X" times more
per day than women. Well, it's true. Testosterone is often referred to as the
sex hormone for a reason. Men have 10-100 times more testosterone than women
do, and it's primary purpose is to keep men primed for sex so they will reproduce
and keep the species alive. Many women are prescribed testosterone to boost
their energy or sex drive. Men don't need help to think about sex more often in
the office. Cleavage constitutes help.
Why is this not a good thing in the work arena? Several reasons. First of all,
keep in mind that people promote and advance people like themselves. I am not
at all saying that women need to look like men to get promoted, but advertising
the differences between us using body parts widens the gap for sure. Men
may pay more attention to a woman showing cleavage, but that attention does not
translate to respect. It translates to distracted thought and often not taking
the woman seriously for her business contributions and knowledge. All that
testosterone keeps him focused on procreation, and what better partner than one
who seems fertile? This is biology, and it's the most powerful motivator there
is. All the diversity training in the world cannot keep men from thinking about
sex, especially with two motivators staring them in the face.
I just smile and shake my head when I hear women wearing low-cut tops complain
about men looking at their bustline instead of their eyes. What did they think
would happen? Men are not weak for doing this, they are biologically wired to
populate the planet. They are doing what their bodies were built to do. In the
office, during business interactions, do you want men thinking about business,
or about boobs?
I am very well aware that current fashion style often involves cleavage. Social
situations are entirely different though. Dress however you'd like. Yes of
course I have low-cut tops myself, I am just selective about when and where I
wear them. For example, I recommend caution when attending office parties and
social events attended by management or clients.
This is a controversial stand, I know, for both women and men. I hope to hear
from some of you about this topic and your take on it. My email address is jane@janesanders.com.
I am committed to helping make companies and workplaces GenderSmart®, and part of that commitment
involves helping women get recognized for the business contributions they make
and get promoted. In order to achieve that, women must be respected and taken
seriously by the people in charge, and more often than not
those people are men. Remember...business, not boobs.
Learn more on the differences between women and men.
Click here to read more Jane Sanders' Articles |
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"Life
is just a mirror, and what you see out there, you must first see inside of
you."... Wally 'Famous" Amos
"My life, like an obliging mare, cannot take me to wonderful places
unless I hold the energy of leadership the whole time I'm on her. Your
life is a horse. Lead it." ... Martha Beck, News
from Martha Beck Inc-May, 2009
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