I wear heels because I like how they look.
Sometimes with jeans. Sometimes with a suit.
But I’ve learned that where I wear them changes everything.
In a restaurant - no one cares.
In a meeting - suddenly it means something.
↳ She’s “trying too hard”
↳ She’s “too polished”
↳ She’s “all style, no substance”
↳ Or “she must be here to impress someone”
It’s never just “she’s the professional in the room.”
We talk about gender equity as if it starts with equal pay and ends with representation.
We can't argue 'now women are holding more leadership positions', and choose to ignore what happens when she gets there.
Often it starts much smaller.
A woman's presence is up for discussion or interpretation, when people see heels take a seat at the table
And who judges her, BOTH men and women.
As a society, I believe we're all responsible in shifting the narrative away from her heels to her deliverables.
I’ve had clients tell their female managers to “tone it down” before big meetings.
I’ve reviewed grievances where “dress” was mentioned more than “decision-making.”
And I’ve challenged HR policies that warned women not to look “distracting.”
So here’s my question-
If a woman’s footwear can still influence how seriously she’s taken…
How far have we really come in leadership equity?
👋🏽 Hi, I’m Tina, founder of HR Habitat.
I’m tired of HR hotlines, too.
We fix the HR minefields you didn’t know you were getting wrong.
My mission is to embed gender equity into everyday leadership—for men and women alike.
Test your leadership style – are you a Labyrinth or a Leader?
https://lnkd.in/eguiG_pU
Join the waitlist for my People Pathway Blueprint, my plug & play tool for managing your staff from entry to exit, without risk or turbulence.
https://lnkd.in/dSVjYQT2
Founder of HR Habitat, award winner of "Best HR & Employment Law Consultancy, 2024" title. As featured in BBC Oline, BBC Asian Network Radio, Telegraph & more.
Post articles and opinions on Hertfordshire Professionals
to attract new clients and referrals. Feature in newsletters.
Join for free today and upload your articles for new contacts to read and enquire further.
