Such an imbalance really can't serve anyone (except the guys in those offices ).

One of my strangest run-ins with the male on top (sorry) attitude came when working with the internal PR team of a national organization. The point person on our end was a highly experienced and skilled woman and we were asked to present our plan to one of their execs. When we let them know this person would be doing the presenting the answer we got (paraphrased) – “Oh, you can't present, you're a woman.”

The source of this comment — the internal PR team — composed entirely of women. I nearly drooled on the Polycom it took me so long to pick my chin up.

First, there's the issue that a few people raised on Kate's post that while women dominate the lower ranks of PR, many of the top posts are held by men. It is changing, but not fast enough. And women are often still penalized when they “opt out” of the workforce for a period of time to raise kids.

Second, many collegiate PR programs are pushing 90 percent women. It was a topic of one of my first posts when I started blogging. Where are the guys? They're in the business school majoring in marketing. Why? Because it's viewed as a more “serious” endeavor and one that's more likely to get them a seat at the executive table.

I have less of an issue with actual gender imbalance than I do with the portrayals and stereotypes of PR practitioners that can lead to an overall dismissal of the field as inconsequential. Unfortunately, those stereotypes must come from somewhere. If young female PR pros get a “flighty and flirty” reputation, they're not likely the ones that business partners are going to trust for strategic advice and counsel on important issues. They're going to get asked to plan parties. And we all know that PR is much more than that.

So, now that I've been a total killjoy, I will add that it's fun to look at how gender can impact and influence professional relationships, and there certainly are situations where guys and gals can use it to their advantage. But it's important to remember that if we, as an entire profession, are going to make a Business Case for PR, then we need to develop a diverse, balanced industry and all behave in ways that don't undermine the importance of the work that we do.

Okay, done sucking the fun out of the day.

Certainly true. The fresh voice in the room helps ensure we don't get too caught up in old thinking. That it's gender-based this time just makes it more fun.

We can also lift furniture more easily.

Haha, yes, I am a bit twitter chatty, but take a peek at how many are replies

Thank you dear, it is your post that inspired it, however.

[Considerate, smooth, charming - check, check, check ]

And true, women definitely need tending when ill in the office. They usually don't like to admit they're sick though.

The post also started to run long, so had to self-edit (I know, what a switch).

Such an imbalance really can't serve anyone (except the guys in those offices ).

One of my strangest run-ins with the male on top (sorry) attitude came when working with the internal PR team of a national organization. The point person on our end was a highly experienced and skilled woman and we were asked to present our plan to one of their execs. When we let them know this person would be doing the presenting the answer we got (paraphrased) – “Oh, you can't present, you're a woman.”

The source of this comment — the internal PR team — composed entirely of women. I nearly drooled on the Polycom it took me so long to pick my chin up.