Women leaders that follow or get out of the way are subject to fierce criticism.
Social Secretary Desiree Rogers inadvertently found herself “out of the way” recently at a White House State dinner. The spotlight on her comes with scrutiny of how party-crashers were able to circumvent White House checkpoints manned by Secret Service personnel.
So why is Ms. Rogers’ getting so much flack for sitting as a guest at the State Dinner? Some are critical because no one from her staff worked along side the Secret Service to eliminate the possibility of uninvited guests slipping through. True, that planning issue is a problem. But an equally important concern about Ms. Rogers’ being seated during dinner is the fact that she was in the picture, which crippled her ability to see the picture.
As the boss, there is no one to tell you where you should be – it’s up to you to decide. Relying upon what your counterparts may have done before you and got away with won’t work. The double standard that women face ensures that few will come to your defense if you make even a repeated tactical error. This taken with the high stakes for failure often accompanying executive positions (in this case, danger to the President and his guests) makes it essential to figure out the best spot to enhance your ability to lead during special events and operations.
What’s a woman to do? Try this tip. First, find the one place where you can see the most. Go for as much of a panoramic view as possible. Next, ensure that you are perched someplace that makes you as accessible as possible to the people that report directly to you so they can depend on your leadership.
To be able to “call the shots” you have to be informed, attentive and reachable.
Whether it is in an operations post, at the door, or standing next to your own boss only you can decide. But know that the more you are in the picture, and the more hurdles placed in the communication path of those expected to discharge duties you assigned them, the less likely you will be able to apply direct fixes; thereby increasing chances that things can blow up.
Flawlessly executed operations only appear that way from the outside. It is rare that any important event or operation goes off without a hitch regardless of how well planned. Unforeseen situations arise. Success is assured only when as fires attempt to erupt, there is an equipped fire-fighter (like you) available to extinguish them.
Avoid positioning yourself in the worst possible place. It is a mistake to paint yourself in a corner by doing a job you should assign to a subordinate. Hint - if you are working, the more exciting a spot is, the more distracting it can be to discharging your duties.
Women and men who knowingly, or unknowingly shirk their leadership responsibilities by “getting out of the way” are doomed. When “ACTION” is announced, go for the director’s chair instead of the blinding limelight – you’ll have a better vantage point and thus edge to success!
Learn more about the double standard in Dr. Werdlow Rogers’ newest book CRACKING THE CODE: Surviving & Thriving in the Man's Double Standard World pending publication by Cable Publishing ( www.cablepublishing.com ).
DEA Special Agent in Charge (retired) June Werdlow Rogers (formerly June W. Stansbury) holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology earned at the University of Maryland. She has 28 years of law enforcement experience from 3 different agencies including the Detroit Police Department and Central Michigan University’s Department of Public Safety.
Dr. Werdlow Rogers is the Author of Becoming Ethically Marketable: A Guide for Criminal Justice Majors and Recruits (available from www.staggspublishing.com ). She also was a contributing author in the book Police Psychology into the 21st Century (Kurke and Scrivner) writing chapter 11 on Counseling and Diversity Issues (available through www.amazon.com ). Other articles written by Dr. Werdlow Rogers may be accessed at www.opednews.com . Dr. Werdlow Rogers has been a speaker on numerous occasions among diverse audiences, including national professional conferences, colleges and universities, and at numerous training seminars. She has made public appearances on television and radio, and is heavily quoted in printed media accessible on the internet.
Dr. Werdlow Rogers has received numerous awards. She has held membership in many organizations including the International Association of the Chiefs of Police, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, served on the executive staff for the Interagency Committed of Women in Federal Law Enforcement (ICWIFLE), and was at one time a church trustee. Moreover, Dr. Werdlow Rogers developed a videotape and presentation entitled “Dangerous Liaisons: Drug Dealers and You,” designed to inform people about the dangers of involvement with drug dealers, and to provide information about how drug dealers behaviorally operate. She continues to educate community groups in a presentation entitled “Risky Business: How to Avoid Involvement in the Drug Trade,” in an effort to reduce drug facilitation. In 2007, her efforts led to the nationally recognized Generations Rx: Children in the Medicine Cabinet, a public awareness effort aimed at reducing pharmaceutical drug abuse through a unique forum. This novel campaign piloted in Brockton, MA offered a drug identification and drop zone, permitting the public, for the first time, to properly dispose of unwanted drugs and learn the identity of any surrendered drug that the participants suspected was being abused by loved ones.