Glass Ceiling

This morning, tuning-in to a radio station while on the way to work, the topic was about glass ceiling. I was an interesting topic about gender equal Opportunity. Glass ceiling means - an intangible barrier within the hierarchy of a company that prevents women or minorities from obtaining upper-level positions. From 2 callers feedback, who was working in a media industry while the latter in the education, both felt that glass ceiling still exists in the working industries. One said that men will plan among themselves their career

In my industry, I'm glad to say that I don't feel glass ceiling exist. Maybe it did but I don't take it seriously. In my previous attachment with a multi-national company, everyone was treated equally base on their performances. In fact, all the female employees were respected for their performance and contributions to the company. We were rewarded with promotions, more opportunities and generous increments. There was a lot of team spirits among the male and female and men are not stingy to share their knowledge and vis versa. I believe the way ones treat the others will result in a better understanding. If women are scare of sharing knowledge with their male counterpart, you can't expect the male to treat you differently.

When I was attached to a GLC later on, I didn't experience glass ceiling too. In fact, I'm sure if there're cases of glass ceiling, one would have experience it in a GLC. GLC is very much monopoly by the male in its top management. However, since the 80's, there are more and more female in the top management. I believe they are there due to their performances. In my previous company, I was the youngest in the top management and once glance accross the boardroom table, you'll see that 90% are male in their 40's, with grey hair and their grey jacket. It was tough during the first 3 months because they thought that I was on the top because of my CEO. They thought that I was brainless and incapable by the way I dressed. I wore T-shirt and jeans to work and attend the management meeting with it. Of course when I had to attend meeting in HQ, I would dress up formally. After I proof my worth of sitting at the management chair, no one doubted my capability and people respect me for my performance. I got alone well with the majority except the few leaches. There is a few who just want to maintain their position until they retired and would do anything to make sure they can hold on to their title and salary.

In my current company, all the local are very supportive and a lot of team spirit except the Singaporeans. I felt that they don't trust the capabilities of the local. Maybe I was wrong but that the vibe I get. I have a very strong team to strongly believe that the team will be able to generate revenue to the company very soon. Some how I felt that for Singaporeans we are very slow. Does anyone has this kind of experience? I asked my friends who work in Singaporean company and they agreed with me. Comments I received are: they think Malaysian workers are second class, not better or same level as them; they think that Malaysian people needs to be very kiasu like them. Well, I'm not giving in but will have to learn and try really hard to be better. I'm sure if I can proof myself to be at par with them, they will be more confident with me.