We lost a champion this past week. An inspiration to us all, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, whose tireless devotion to democracy and equal rights affected all of our lives. Her approach was that of a quiet persistence as she envisioned change.
“Her vision for the world is transformative but instead of broad sweeps, she urges slow and incremental steps” as seen in NY Times. RBG knew she was contesting a long-standing practice and that change takes time and consistent effort. Her life’s work is exemplary of her dedication to that belief.
In each of our lives, change is certain. Yet we are not in charge of how and when it will occur. What we can do is keep walking towards it as RBG modeled for us all. We have witnessed great progress since she began her work, and yet the effort must continue.
As women, research shows that we still do not earn equal pay. That it is assumed, as the Harvard Business Review reports if a woman steps back for a personal issue that she will continue to do so and therefore does not receive the challenging projects, promotions, and C-Suite opportunities. Whereas if men step back it is considered an isolated event and they are not put in the same category. Historically, women are the ones who do choose to step back and take pay cuts or fall behind on their career track. What if it could be different? A more flexible approach?
Additionally, research shows women stop receiving pay raises at around age 42 while men continue to receive pay raises up into their 50’s. RBG worked to change gender inequality in the workplace but it is still occurring and it is expected to continue for decades to come.
What this past decade and year have shown us is that individually and collectively, the emphasis is now focused on agility. It inspires speculation at the possibility of each considering ourselves as entrepreneurs – able to scale up or down as needed – and continue to remain relevant in careers. In fact, it is already happening.
As the global economy scrambles to reinvent itself after this crisis, perhaps the tried and true format of the corporations will begin to evolve and adapt. Research shows that as corporations grapple with this fast-paced ever-changing world, the workforce must also adopt adaptability and the ability to embrace a fluid approach. It has already been reported that this trend will be key to businesses remaining relevant.
Consider this: Women creating and developing business roles for themselves that expand and contract, support, and adapt and continue to provide the needed fluid approach that companies will require.
Rather than bemoan the method that brought us through the industrial revolution and fit into an outdated practice, instead develop roles that are adaptable. Transform the way we work....not in “broad sweeps but slow, incremental steps.”
It is an idea that could evolve and take hold. And while it's not what we have always known, it may allow more time, flexibility, better health and mental health, and the opportunity to remain relevant as we hadn't seen before.
By adopting a mindset for growth and learning, change can then become a positive aspect that we are becoming better equipped to manage.
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