Ignoring Personal Values

Ever gone against your values and it worked out okay?

Many years ago I joined a company on a 6 month probation.

4 months later, I participated in salary reviews. To my surprise, the only 2 women, both senior, were paid less than their male subordinates.

I find the concept of gender bias absurd. But I could find no other reason for the discrepancy.

I wanted to alert the executive team. Call in HR. Get the Integrity Group involved.

But my trusted HR advisor counseled me against it. I was still on probation. Best to keep quiet. Best to get through the next 2 months, and think about the bigger picture.

I kept my mouth shut. I let those 2 women get marginal increases when they deserved better.

And I was sick about it.

8 months later, I was in charge of an even bigger team. I had more influence. I had been promoted.

I had the power to make a difference, and I used it.

No employees that have worked for me since have ever been marginalized based on factors outside of performance.

It was a horrible experience and I hated the choice I made.

But it was a lesson well learned. Playing the long game.

Have you gone against your values for a good result?

#gender #advice #HR