[infinite monkey]

I know women still struggle to make the same pay for the same job. I know there are still some glass ceiling particles left. I know that women in power have to play by different rules than men.

BUT, having said that, I don't think being a woman in charge means said woman has to be a raging beeatch. And I've seen that, a lot. It's like, to compete with men, they have to be men: tough, hard, and ready to swing the hammer to bring about the 'respect' they probably don't get from their immediate peers or even superiors.

The funny thing is, most of the men who I've worked for, while assertive, while go-getters, seem to be much easier to get along with. It's like there's nothing to prove so they don't have swing any hammers.

I've seen both sides: I have seen ineffectual male managers and I have seen wonderful female managers. But at a certain point some women lose their womaninity, lest they lose credibility (in their minds, in the minds of the biggest wigs?) I don't think it has to be like that. But I've never made my way high up in any kind of bigger corporation so I don't know. I lack the mighty hammer, but I can be assertive, rather than aggressive. I'm not sure that's enough; from what I've seen you gotta be stone cold hard.

I think men are easier to work with than women. But that is only my personal experience. Still, it comes from a lot of years of working in a variety of disciplines.

Hey, I'm a woman. I love women, hear us roar. I was so impressed with the Swooper (so smart, beautiful, strong) until I somehow ended up on the wrong end of the Swoop Stick. Once you're on the wrong end, you may as well say your prayers.

I think it's very difficult to walk that fine line for any manager, but some are much better than others, on both sides of the gender line. Emotional intelligence is difficult to gauge, and I think it means different things for a lot of people.