Denial is a dangerous mechanism because it keeps one from excelling or even being treated with any equality. When we as women practice denial in the workplace, we are giving permission not to be taken seriously on any level. The second is Apathy . This is perhaps more dangerous than denial because it says that we know what is occurring, when it is occurring, and who is doing it. This is truly a victim mentality and if this is your behavior, you don't really expect to advance.
Leaders are anything but apathetic.
The third is Fear . When we are afraid to be different, when we are afraid to be wrong, when we are afraid to be alone, then we are afraid to advance. As a woman, if you are choosing any of these self-defeating behaviors, no amount of affirmative action, equal opportunity, mentoring, or networking is going to help you advance in the workplace or in other areas of life. The antidote to each of these self-defeating behaviors is Courage . Find the courage to learn if you are being paid less than your male peers are and then ask why and how it can be rectified.