Two cents

<img alt="" src="http://a323.yahoofs.com/phugc/5wtBRTz6hG9L/photos/cc75c0d2b5a8ae9bce181d5cf6779bbc/ori_74da08f6cf0ac0.jpg?ug_____DXk4Bhbn5" align="right" width="347" height="346">by Leslie Morgan Steiner<br> <br><p>Since getting an MBA in the early 1990s and working at a series of corporate marketing jobs, I’ve found a new persona: the aggressive woman.</p><br><p>Without consciously realizing it, I act far more aggressively at work than I’ve ever been socially, in school, or in my relationship with my husband. And more aggressively than my male colleagues. For 15 years, it’s worked for me to negotiate promotions boldy, barge my way into important meetings, propose radical cost-cutting solutions, and invite myself to lunch with executives 3-4 levels above my rank.</p><br> <p>Simply put, for my post-Title IX generation it seems acceptable to be driven, ambitious, goal-oriented and competitive at work – without fear of backlash from men in the office. Read More »

by Leslie Morgan Steiner (Two Cents on Working Motherhood: Mommy Track'd)

First day back to school. Three new grades: first, fourth and sixth. My kids and I celebrated by munching tortillas at our favorite Mexican cafe in the bright September sunshine. We dissected who had grown. Who had braces. Which teacher was most strict.

Then my cell phone rang. The caller offered a thrilling balance of opportunity and chaos: Could I be on a plane in two hours to attend the Republican National Convention and give a Today Show interview about the "mommy wars" stirred up by Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's nomination? Read More »

Usually, adults consider bullying a childhood phenomenon. A normal part of growing up and parenting. We focus on solutions for our children: how do we teach them not to bully others? What productive, effective ways to stand up for themselves can we pass on?

But what about adult bullies? A few days ago, I watched a parent pile four kids into his car after basketball practice and drive off without having anyone buckle their seatbelts. Two weeks before, in front of at least 30 kids waiting patiently in the sun, a mom at the park told her son it was okay to bump the ice cream truck line. Two summers ago, a human resources manager at my office derided a single mom with four kids for taking too many sick days when school was out. I doubt anyone realized bullying occurred. I'm not proud to admit that in all three cases, I did nothing. Read More »

by Leslie Morgan Steiner

Last week, The Wall Street Journal published an article that’s got me gnashing my teeth. Work & Family columnist Sue Shellenbarger reported the disturbing news that on average, over the past decade U.S. businesses have dramatically shortened childbirth leave for new parents.

On behalf of pregnant working moms and expectant fathers throughout the United States , my reaction is emotional: I’m furious. Our country’s family leave policies are outdated and unfair – the U.S. government is one of only four that doesn't mandate paid leave for new parents, along with Swaziland, Papau New Guinea, and Liberia . The ten-year maternity leave downsizing trend shows how vulnerable working moms in particular are without government protection.

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