As someone who went on the "mommy track" for 10 years and has been back in the swing of things for a while, there are a few things I've observed. Now, not all moms are the same, nor are all women, or all employees for that matter. I'm not saying "hire the mom over everyone else." But I think we working moms have gotten a bad rap. Remember, people, that children grow up and leave, and won't always need the intensive care-giving that they do at the beginning. So this is just my attempt to refute the "mom's aren't committed" attitudes.
- Mothers are extremely loyal to people who are kind to their children--that goes doubly for employers. Be understanding about sick days to a mom with young kids and she will work harder for you when she returns.
- Multitasking? We do that in our sleep, honey. Literally. I've often had dreams about something in the back of my mind I have to accomplish the next day. It's as if our brains know sleep-time is needed to remind us of things on our to do list.
- Moms can say "no" firmly, and mean it. Need a heavy to tell a vendor you're ending a contract? Pick a mom, preferably one with several children. Need to discipline an errant employee? Mom's are very familiar with discipline. We can send someone to time out and still make them feel like we're helping them.
- Moms are great listeners. Every office needs a sounding board, and moms know how to play this role. We can reflectively listen and interpret what you're trying to say. We also know how to keep secrets. I mean, how long was it before you figured out the whole Santa thing?
- Who else will tell you the truth in a kind way? Yes, those pants make you look fat, but the blouse is fabulous! Yes, that vendor has a lower price, but see how shoddy his printing is? No, you shouldn't hire the new guy just because he has the whitest teeth you've ever seen, but you should hire him because he has a killer resume and interviews well.
