The Memo Every Woman Still Keeps in Her Desk

A few months ago, the Harvard Business Review informed me that one of my publications with them, “The Memo Every Woman Keeps in Her Desk,” had been selected to be among 30 for inclusion in their now published centennial book, HBR at 100.

This is HBR‘s description of the book:

“Now at its 100th anniversary, HBR at 100 brings together the most influential ideas since its inception, celebrating its past, present and future” featuring “business publishing’s most influential voices on the most critical ideas in management.”

The memo case describes a quandary faced by a young woman, Liz, whose company is stuck in the dark ages when it comes to the inclusion and advancement of women. She writes a memo addressed to her CEO describing why talented senior women leave the company and the daily challenges faced by junior women like herself. She then asks a trusted male colleague if she should send it. Experts were invited to weigh in on whether Liz should send the memo. Would her courage be worth the risk?

Originally published by HBR in 1993, the case remains relevant. Some of the challenges have changed, but whether it is safe for women to share with their managers or CEOs the existence of conditions creating a hostile workplace is still not easily answered. In 2018, I wrote about this in a forward to a reprint of the case in another HBR publication.

“In light of the #MeToo movement, a woman’s decision to speak up may seem less risky now, especially about issues relatively low on the spectrum of gender-based offenses. But is that the case? Or do we still have a long way to go before women can share their experiences with confidence that their observations and courage will not only be welcomed but lead to significant change?”

I’m delighted that “The Memo Every Woman Keeps in Her Desk” continues to bring about needed change and that HBR selected it for inclusion in HBR at 100.

Kathleen