Let me just put it out there: I feel uplifted by Newt Gingrich's surge in the polls. You already know he's a leader (he gave us American Exceptionalism and Contract with America), scholar (Ph.D. from Tulane and author of several books), and incurable romantic (wife number three seems to be The One). But did you know he's also a role model for young lawyers--in fact, anyone who wants to reach that ephemeral "next level"?
Newt (can we be on a first-name basis?) has a special place in my heart because he exemplifies a theory I've long held about success: If you have enough bravado, you can rise to the top. I've seen this over and over again in law firms, where lawyers with modest talents rise to partnership, while some of their smarter and much more hardworking colleagues get left in the dust. If this doesn't give us hope about upward mobility, I don't what will.
But this is not as simple as it might seem: Not only do you have to project superiority, but you have to believe in it too--even in the face of evidence to the contrary.
I saw this from the time I was a first-year associate, when I had to research securities law under the supervision of a second-year associate. Now, second-year associates don't usually supervise the work of first-years, except this particular associate (let's call him "Fetcher") already acted like he was a partner (he wore suspenders, played golf, and smoked cigars just like the Big Boys). Always eager to show he was on top of the game, Fetcher reported back to the partners that my memo was wrong, which certainly didn't help my nascent reputation. The only hitch was that Fetcher was the one who misread the cases.
But did his mistake cost him? Not at all. As I recall, he begrudgingly admitted his mistake, but then turned the tables on me by telling me I shouldn't make such a big deal about it. In other words, my mistake would have been a big sign of my incompetence, but his mistake was trivial. The upshot: He made partner on an accelerated track.
Being self-important (and I don't mean just being confident) is really a career propeller. It works in law, business, politics, and even in the hallowed halls of journalism (don't get me started on that one). But here's the thing: To get the maximum benefits, being male really helps. I don't know why, exactly, but we often find a guy who has an overinflated view of himself to be cute, if not endearing, in an irritable kind of way.
But to be fair, it's not just a matter of societal attitudes. Most women I know really can't pull it off—because they just aren't convinced of their infallibility.
That day of true equality will surely come. In the meantime, let's just celebrate what Newt means to all of us: You can succeed only if you believe in yourself. Truly inspiring.
Related post: Whatcha Think 'Bout This Role Model?
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yeah, right! and let the qualified, hardworking ones go to dogs!
Posted by: Anon | December 20, 2011 at 07:41 PM
"If this doesn't give us hope about upward mobility, I don't what will."
Ms. Chen, it's your choice to go the "inflammatory troll" route of journalism. Earlier you wrote about how Asians are too nerdy to make partner, and now this ridiculous post. I think it's disgusting but it's your choice.
However, can you please at least proof read your work? I don't know *what* will.
Posted by: anon | December 9, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Amazing that a seemingly intelligent and self-respecting woman like yourself can call an adulterous, lying cad an "incurable romantic" after cheating on 2 wives: one struggling with cancer and the next by having sex with a Congressional worker while calling for Clinton's impeachment for doing the same thing. So add hypocrite.
if Newt, a pork barrel of unwarranted self-regard, is anyone's idea of a role model, than the country is doomed.
Posted by: R.H. Omea | December 8, 2011 at 09:34 AM
Could it be he is manic?
http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/the_big_idea/2011/12/is_newt_gingrich_nuts_consider_the_symptoms_.html
Posted by: Irene Stanley | December 8, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Newt is a Democrat in sheeps clothing. His personal history sucks. His role is not for the people but for his own agenda. Newt may talk a solid conservative game, but his record is that of a typical loud mouth politician who will cut any compromise, make any deal with anyone for his own political or personal gain. He is not a friend of the 2nd ammendment and has worked behind the scenes to pass gun control. He believes the lie that man is responsible for global warming. He voted with Nancy Pelosi to make school zones safe for criminals. You delegates need to beware this Demo-wolf lest we be sheared.
Posted by: Ross | December 7, 2011 at 03:07 PM
I appreciate the female perspective and find it equally fascinating and horrifying that women bash each other for pointing out the obvious - men are different and they are treated differently but the one thing they don't do is bash each other and refuse to support them. If women hung together more we would be in a different place in the world today. Think Hillary, think the "Women for Cain." I mean please! Pointing out the women's perspective is now "male bashing?" Give me a break!
Posted by: FAF | December 6, 2011 at 10:12 AM
Wow Vivia...
First, I don't care for Newt; but, reading your article, it resonated with me. And, it was, as I was reading something that, I found rather refreshing. And, I was actually thinking to myself, this text is a departure from her normal work.
But, then, when I get to the tail-end of your text... there it is, another topic, which ostensibly resonates with the totality of your readership, again skewed to align with a male-hating bent.
Wish I could say that, I was surprised; but...
C'est la vie!
Posted by: Thought I was going to be surprised; but, wasn't... | December 6, 2011 at 09:21 AM
Brava, Vivia. Brava! I see it all the time.
Posted by: Diva | December 6, 2011 at 07:22 AM
Hilarious, but true, and sad - all at the same time.
Posted by: Vicki | December 6, 2011 at 07:16 AM
Vivia, I admire your bravado in posting this blog so straight. This is one of the sad truths about the legal profession, and the world.
Getting ahead on bravado. without modesty or an instinct to share credit, works in many places. I am especially fond of the places where it does not work.
Posted by: K.C. Victor | December 6, 2011 at 04:35 AM
This is what I thought about Sarah Palin when she was running for VP. I figured unqualified men have been getting jobs they don't deserve for years, so it's a sign of progress when an unqualified woman gets the same chance!
Posted by: SRS | December 6, 2011 at 03:47 AM