[DISCLAIMER: A word* has been changed to maintain decorum and to create a bit of levity on an issue that is not a laughing matter. I mean no disrespect to anyone named Richard.]
For the past few weeks, I have been seriously contemplating some comments made by a close professional business friend of mine. I have not lost any sleep over her statement, but it has certainly made me think about my own core values and behaviors.
During a conversation about corporate leadership, my friend stated that women could be b*tches because real men did not exist anymore. She said modern society had emasculated them, that their courage was in short supply these days. I had never heard her take that position before, so, I asked her to be more specific and clarify her remarks.
Her response was quite succinct: “John, don’t toy with me. Men are in leadership positions everywhere, yet corporate greed seems to be a global standard, conflict and warmongering continues, injustices prevail, and a lot of men think loving a lady means having casual sex with them. If men used their hearts instead of their egos, exercised their brain power instead of their Richards*, the world would be a better place. At the very least, trust would flourish, then we could start a better trend for all interested parties.”
I hesitated for a few seconds, then with raised eyebrows, I sheepishly extended my hand and asked her, “Are we still friends?” She smiled, shook my hand, and answered, “Why of course we’re still friends John, I trust you!” Smiling back, I said, “Thank you, I trust you as well.” No harm, no foul, we still work together. But I must admit, her strong comments certainly resonated with me. I believe a deeper meaning can be found in her words, too.
I sincerely think most women would prefer for us men to stand up for something better, something more than the proverbial status quo leadership that seems to thrive everywhere nowadays, especially in business and politics. And there is no doubt in my mind, she is right, women would eliminate their snarkiness, reduce their anger if more men in business and elsewhere acted with courage, honor, and respect. Makes sense to me.