Spin or Cold, Hard Reality?
When I read Carol Hymotiwz’s article, “Not Just a Ladies’ Room,” in today’s Wall Street Journal, I was immediately offended and thought perhaps Carol was stretching for a news hook. Why do women need to conduct business in the restroom?
There’s a subtext here that’s very disturbing, especially when Carol writes, “Not every woman, of course, wants to join an office ladies’ room club. Some undoubtedly think there’s more to be gained snagging lunch dates with staff several rungs above them than exchanging advice with women colleagues.” This sentence shows the underlying assumption of the article - staff several rungs up aren’t women.
However, when I force myself to react logically to the article, it prompts some compelling questions:
- Is networking in non-conventional locations a side-effect of cube nation?
- Do professional women still feel the need to put on a mask around their male colleagues?
- Would businesses benefit from moving candid commentary from the restroom to the board room?
Thoughts?