When men cut jobs, they're seen as decisive. When women do, they're vindictive

When men cut jobs, they're seen as decisive. When women do, they're vindictive

Carly Fiorina, the former CEO of Hewlett-Packard, is no stranger to the double standards that women in leadership positions face. Throughout her career, she has been criticized for her decisions to cut jobs, with many accusing her of being vindictive and heartless. However, when male CEOs make similar decisions, they are often praised for being decisive and strategic.

Fiorina has spoken out about this double standard, pointing out that women in leadership positions are often held to a different standard than their male counterparts. In a 2015 interview with CNN, she stated, "When a man is forceful, he's seen as decisive. When a woman is forceful, she's seen as abrasive. When a man cuts jobs, he's seen as making tough decisions. When a woman does it, she's seen as vindictive."

Fiorina's words ring true in the corporate world, where women are often judged more harshly for their actions than men. Studies have shown that women are more likely to be criticized for being aggressive or assertive, while men are praised for the same behavior. This double standard can make it difficult for women in leadership positions to make tough decisions, as they are constantly worried about being perceived as vindictive or heartless.

Despite the challenges she has faced, Fiorina has remained steadfast in her belief that women should not be held to a different standard than men. She has called for greater equality in the workplace, urging companies to judge their employees based on their performance and not their gender. In a 2016 speech at the Women in the World Summit, she stated, "We need to stop judging women based on stereotypes and start judging them based on their abilities and accomplishments."