What's a whisper network?

 A monthly letter/column as written for & published also by Women in Transportation Services

Dear Dennie,

What’s a whisper network and why does it exist?

No Secrets

Dear No Secrets,

A whisper network is an informal chain of information passed privately, usually between women, often focused on sharing who or what might be negatively influencing the security and/or abilities of women in the workplace. 

It is meant to be helpful, especially in environments where transparency is not practiced or encouraged. Often the network is willing to share what they know if asked; many are focused on finding solutions and helping the conversations come to the table. 

Mentoring is a means to take the informal information and work together to find action plans for an individual. 

Below are our panel’s notes from the discussion held at the Women in Transportation Services workshop May 25, 2020.

Top 10 things currently just in our "whisper network":

1. Being asked to do administrative tasks (minutes, notes), and being judged as difficult if you object or refuse
2. Dress code- stronger perception of how women dress compared to male counterparts, being judged more strongly on external appearances
3. Innuendos & favouritism, speculation that can originate from male/female mentor/sponsor relationships
4. Undermining technical knowledge because you are female, being judged as a "quota hire" or tokenism vs getting to be known for capabilities
5. Job security, both through Covid19 and in technology in general (rapidly changing industry where you are always having to reskill and upskill)
6. Being intimated to ask for promotions or raises especially with male bosses
7. Having the boldness to broach hard topics
8. Judgement of flex hours, many places have flexible policies but there is an unspoken stigma when they are used (i.e. leaving early, even if you started earlier, because others are still in the office)
9. Career growth through family planning, being promoted if you have children or are perceived to be having children soon
10. Showing emotions, balancing being tough (and the "bitch" perception) with being kind (and the "soft" or "emotional" perception)

Dear Dennie #4 - Priorities

 A monthly letter/column as written for & published also by Women in Transportation Services

Dear Dennie,

Given all that’s happening these days, aren’t mentoring and networking lower priorities?

Other things on my mind

Dear OTomm,

Shelter, food, health, friends and family… those are just the beginnings of our top 10 lists these days. Work is also top of mind: figuring out new technologies; new ways of teaming; reprioritizing our efforts; or acknowledging loss and uncertainty.

Mentoring isn’t something that happens just when we have time. Mentoring relationships are the safe place to explore the tough questions about our changing workplace. There is no better time than now to talk it through with people whose opinions we value. 

Networking is simply another word for building community. We need our communities these weeks and days more than ever. Connecting (email, calls, video, etc.) in this time of social isolation is necessary for everyone who is worried or wondering. Deepening existing connections is as important as building new ones. Offering our friends and coworkers our attention and support is how many of us will come through this.

Connection is always part of our survival tool kit.

Now, ask me anything.... :-)

dennie

Connecting others

Can you make at least two connections for folks this week?

Whether it is helping work colleagues or friends expand circles, a simple introduction can be all it takes to go from hoping to happening.

I usually an email with the following format:

<Sue> meet <Joan>. <Joan>, <Sue>.

<Sue>, <Joan> is a (description of what might interest<Sue>) plus I find him/her to be (personal story/descriptorsince you're using your own reputation as the introduction base).

<Joan>, <Sue>  is a... 

I hope you share a very interesting beverage together!
You get the idea? If unsure of the reception, check with each person in advance before sending the introduction. 

Mainly we are waiting for permission to talk with each other. Give someone permission this week.