Still working 9 to 5

In last week’s blog, I wrote about investing in others through small, practical actions. I also wrote about treating every employee like someone’s precious son or daughter.

I recently heard the 2024 Pitbull and Dolly Parton collaboration “Powerful Women,” a remake of Dolly’s “9 to 5,” at a high school football game where everybody was dancing. When I listened to the words more carefully, it made me sad. More than 45 years later, those words still ring true. God rest her soul.

I have always told people to “go where you’re seen.” But what does that advice mean when many workplaces fail to see women simply because of their gender?

This is not about bashing men. It is about acknowledging that there is a difference. As a man, I believe leaders should acknowledge the imbalance, say thank you, and provide a deserved pay increase without waiting to be asked.

I tell women not to apologize for basic things. If back-to-back meetings make you late to the next one, that is just the way it is. You do not need to apologize for being human.

Seeing someone means noticing their work. It means crediting their ideas, listening to their words, and making room for their growth. It means treating the employee in front of us like someone’s precious daughter, son, mother, or father.

Where can you help a woman be seen more clearly this week?

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Coach Ha-Keem