I recently read Cindy Gallop’s piece on ageism in the workplace and light bulbs went off in relation to worksite wellness. Not from an age discrimination perspective, but as concerns our definition of fit and subsequent role of women in leadership.
What does it mean to be a fit female leader today?
Do you have to run marathons?
Must one look like a super model?
Do you have to only eat quinoa and kale?
Is it possible to be normal, fit and LEAD?
My answers are unequivocally no, no, no and yes!
For women to succeed as leaders, in the workplace, our attitudes and norms around what a fit female need a change. While it might be easy to say just “lean in” more, I see it differently. Besides most women don’t have an arsenal of cash or Harvard execs to back them up.
If we continue to primarily promote super models, celebrity stars, power politicians and extreme athletes as our role models nothing will ever change. You say, what do you have against sports, politics and fashion icons?
Nothing, they all work very hard at what they do. But our awestruck allure with elite and celebrity status individuals is destructive. From my perspective it is not inspiring nor does it advance the opportunities for more women in leadership roles.
Because we have elevated extreme everything into the consciousness, inertia is the result. That leaves little room for a normal, aspirational woman, who motivates others, to be regarded as a leader. From my perspective we need more female leaders that are representative of the real workforce.
There are fit female bodies galore with varying sizes, colors, shapes and job descriptions. Women who take risks do not come in a one size fits all. Therefore, I feel two components need a makeover.
- Change our definition of what it means to be fit!
- Foster greater diversity in female role models
From a worksite wellness perspective I think we can do a much better job on both the above components. I encourage you to read my previous blog on how to change our thinking on what a fit body is.
I believe by altering our concept of what fit is as well as supporting women in vibrant living, stronger and more diverse role models will emerge. Here are a few ideas to start moving in that direction:
- Utilize diverse bodies and shapes in wellness marketing
- Foster more rational less extreme fitness
- Praise healthy posture and vibrant communication skills
- Promote fitness as energy and performance enhancing
- Abandon obsessive diet, calorie & weight loss talk
- Develop creative avenues for artistic expression in exercise
- Highlight women of all sizes who exude active lifestyles
Final Thought
Health and wellness in the workplace is not a beauty contest. Efforts to broaden the definition of what is fit and healthy will go a long way to building healthier companies as well as communities. A fit leader should reflect high energy and high performance, not a number on a scale or the size of a dress.
Female leaders should not only be those of elite status involved with large corporations. There are leaders among us; they are entrepreneurs, small business owners, community activists, mothers, artists, teachers, laborers and more. However, that requires recognition, appreciation and constant support starting at the local level.
