This post is from my Working Mother Experience blog, but I wanted to cross post it here. Enjoy!
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The Working Mother Experience is a 250 page exploration into the culture of EMC’s working mothers. It is one example of the many ways in which women are finding to connect with their created communities.
The saying that it takes a village to raise a child is still valid, if you are willing to have your village closer resemble a building in Second Life than a pueblo in your town center. The internet and social media makes it possible for women everywhere to band together on topics that are important to them.
Circle of Moms on Facebook and Twitter are great examples. You can connect with Moms around the world on virtually any topic from kids with reflux, resume help, or World of Warcraft tips and tricks. Co-ops and babysitting clubs form online for free or you can try one of the fee sites like SitterCity or Care.com.
The world was never smaller for me when I was instant messaging with one of my closest friends from college while I was waiting for MRI results at the hospital with my two year old son. My son was asleep in the room with me, while one of my best friends and I “conversed”. BTW, he has lived in Japan for the past 15 years.
The workplace is part of the new village for working mothers. We spend so much time in and connected to our offices. Of course they will become resources for us to tap in times of need. Women have gone before and will come after you in a work-based circle of life like any other. There is a great network of support in good times and bad between the working mothers at EMC. The camaraderie was summed up best by essayist Jeannene Austin. “Some people have role models and some people ARE role models. Knowing that someone has lived a similar life to yours in a similar culture (EMC) and survived infertility, breast cancer, miscarriage or death in the family helps you chart a path back to normalcy.”
Corporations that embrace community halls, real or virtual, are part of the tapestry of the new village will thrive. They will be in a position to capitalize on the best working mother talent.
On December 10, 2009 EMC sent a number of women to the Massachusetts Conference for Women. The day’s lineup was just amazing. Speakers ranging from Marcus Buckingham to Suze Orman gave motivating speeches of empowerment and self-reliance. Marcus talked to women about finding what makes them happy and doing more of that. Ok that may sound like (DUH!) obvious right now, but it was a terrific message for women of all ages to hear. Figure out what makes you happy and do more of it. Focus on your strengths and stop spending so much time trying to fix your weaknesses – work around them. Suze Orman gave financial advice that had everyone at my table scribbling like we were back in college! I thought I had a handle on things financially (and I do), but as with any discipline it takes practice and presence – you can always get better.
As amazing as the speakers were for the day and the copious notes everyone scribbled are valuable, the highlight of the day was the open Mentor/Match program. Women lined up to speak to volunteer mentors about topics ranging from resume support, career advice, and executive presence. A few women from EMC were chosen to mentor. Being a “speed” mentor was a great honor and I got much more out of it than would have ever anticipated. What does this have to do with the Working Mother Experience? Everything! Connecting women makes the sum greater than its parts. Mentors shared their knowledge with Mentees, cross- company connections were made and it was clear NONE OF US DO THIS ALONE.
Success is knowing when to ask for help and having smart resources to tap! Hooray for networking and the NEW Village.
