Safety in Numbers

Who wore it better? Who’s prettier, smarter, richer, slimmer? Women have been competing against each other since birth. These ingrained stereotypes can be difficult to overcome.

An alarming study conducted by the Bullying Institute found that 58 percent of workplace bullies are women, and they bully other women 90 percent of the time. These women are often called ‘Queen Bees’—those who have a dominant position in a particular group and treat colleagues in a demoralizing manner.

Women who feel threatened by the success of other women often engage in indirect aggression toward those who irritate them rather than addressing issues directly. Regrettably, the most common reason women undermine each other is jealousy and a lack of confidence in their own abilities and self-esteem.

Queen Bees often believe they have worked hard to get where they are and that other women should work just as hard, hence the cold shoulder. Competition among women in the workplace is greater today. Women face many challenges in their pursuit of equity with their male counterparts, especially in top positions of leadership and authority.

However, it is crucial for women to mentor and support each other rather than detract from their efforts. There is always safety in numbers. Find female allies among coworkers, colleagues, and supervisors, and build strong, supportive relationships. Attend women’s conferences, join or create women’s networks, and keep reading about all the amazing women leaders taking center stage in our country.

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