Don't stand on the sidelines: advice for women in the workforce.

• Author: Gochnour, Natalie
• Position: Economic Insight

About a decade ago, as a member of governor's senior staff, I learned a valuable lesson about female leadership in the workplace. The governor's senior team was discussing the right course of action on a welfare issue affecting thousands of Utah families. It won't surprise those of you who know her well that Olene Walker, who was lieutenant governor

at the time, made her point of view known in an articulate, well-reasoned and forceful fashion. She was not going to stand on the sidelines while an issue affecting the neediest Utah families was debated. It was an extraordinary example of the feminine value of compassion having its day, and I took note. Society benefits from women in the workforce.

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Similar examples play out in small businesses, corporations, nonprofit entities and government every day. Women bring perspective, experience and a native skill set that is unique. Society benefits when feminine values like civility, stewardship, collaboration, aesthetics and so many more are well represented.

But working women beware--it isn't easy. I've learned a few things along the way. With the hope that it benefits both men and women, here is my advice for working women.

Don't let the bozos get you down. The men and women I've worked with have almost without exception been amazing and inspiring people. But let's be honest--there are a few bozos out there.

Early in my career I had a male coworker tell me the unemployment rate wouldn't be so high if women like me stayed home. Really? Never mind the immense contributions of women in the workforce. Never mind the huge diversity of circumstances in our home lives. Some people just don't get it. Move on.

Don't expect it to be easy, particularly if you have children. I tell people that I had everything going for me--a great husband, sisters who lived in town, grandparents who lived in town, flexible employers and wonderful kids. Being a working morn is still by far the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. If you want to have both a meaningful career and a fulfilling family life, you are going to have to work extremely hard. Get used to it and seek the support you need.

Let the right things slide. I heard great advice from a woman participating on a panel about work-life balance. She said, "If you're going to let something slide, let it be the homemade jam and yard work." Her point: you can't do everything so do the things that matter most. Give the other things a skip.

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