Flirt your way to the top?

February 9th, 2007

Evidently that’s what we women do, according to a study by Harper’s Bazaar that the UK’s Daily Mail reported on this week. Not only that, we play dumb with our male coworkers, backstab our female ones, and cry like a girl in the loo. Sure, Harper’s Bazaar isn’t the most — how shall I say? — liberated publication, but come on.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve certainly never flirted my way through the workweek to get what I want — unless of course what I wanted was a piece of that sexy new admin on the third floor. But having had several male bosses or superiors flirt with me at work, I quickly learned that keeping my so-called feminine wiles to myself was a necessary survival tactic. If a managing editor’s tried to swat my ass, I’m certainly not going to do or say anything to encourage them the next time I have the misfortune to cross their path. If anything, I’ll trot out my mousiest duds (a la Jane Fonda in 9 to 5) and avoid the creep at all costs, while pondering exactly what the consequences of reporting their inappropriate behavior to HR will be.

Oh, and for the record, Harper’s Bazaar, I freaking hate pumps.

Entry Filed under: Glass ceiling