Tiffiny Hall takes the sting out of Queen Bee Syndrome
The lack of female leaders in the workplace is a widespread topic. Most of the time it comes down to equality, however, it may also have something to do with “Queen Bee Syndrome”.
Queen Bee syndrome (not to be mistaken with Queen Bae, our beloved Beyoncé) is a term used for female bosses who have zero interest in fostering and nurturing the careers of women. She’s an alpha female who holds power, is dominant and often critical of women subordinates. Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada is a great example of a Queen Bee.
Jealousy or sexism?
It’s been reported that it is women in lower-hierarchy positions who feel undervalued and disrespected by female superiors – not men. Is this because women feel threatened by other women; or are they paranoid another female may take their position? Resident TIFFXO Clinical Psychologist, Cass Dunn, suggests there could also be another reason too – “in order to be more readily accepted and respected by their male colleagues, some women may feel they feel they need to distance themselves from other women.”
Personally, I find this so upsetting: I would be mortified if the ladies at TIFFXO HQ thought I didn’t love and support them. I’m forever grateful and privileged for the role I have in my business. These findings are also such a contrast to my Facebook community too. My community is a place of support, encouragement and inspiration.
Have you been stung?
Is your female boss treating you poorly? If you feel like a victim of Queen Bee syndrome you need to act – otherwise, the situation could get worse and you may quit your job. But before you do, have a think about her actions and pinpoint what is causing you distress. Could it be, as Cass Dun says, “that women are expected to behave in a more nurturing and supportive way, and when they deviate from that behaviour they’re judged more harshly than a male manager behaving the same way would”? Once you’ve worked out what the issue is I suggest calmly discussing your feelings with your female manager. Then ask for advice on how you can improve as an employee – act professional, invested and courteous.
Going to the big bosses or the HR department should be your last port of call. So, before it comes down to that, invest in spending time with the Queen Bee (in a professional sense). Ask her for career advice, her thoughts and opinions, her experience and strategies. Make her out to be the teacher, and you the eager student – be savvy!
And if you’re a manager? Cass Dunn days “Try to be mindful of your unconscious bias and treat everyone fairly regardless of gender. We need to hold all out managers to the same standards of fairness, regardless of gender.”
A harmonious colony
Queen Bees and any kind of bullying are not ok – no matter who or where it comes from. Always stand up for what you believe in and feel empowered by your courage. Luckily, I feel there are more incredible and supportive women in leadership roles than there are Queen Bees. At the end of the day, we should all be able to work in harmonious environments regardless of our sex or job hierarchy.