“Sometimes who is going to be taking care of all of my kids on any given day is more complicated than any trade agreement.” – Chrystia Freeland, International Trade Minister of Canada
I remember when my kids were very young having numerous conversations about the confidence that comes from having your kids well taken care of while you’re working. If for any reason, care is in question, it is extremely challenging to focus on your work. Treasured are opportunities in which you can perform your job without compromising family commitments.
Political journalist, Jane Taber, writes a regular column on women in politics, and chose to highlight Ms. Freeland’s choice to mix business and home life.
According to Ms. Taber, Ms. Freeland hosted twenty-five Ukrainian government officials for dinner at her home with her family. Ms. Freeland confessed this was not a “traditional form of government entertaining” however it was an opportunity to do her job and be with family. Certainly, it was a chance for her three kids to witness what their mother does. In fact, Ms. Taber reports that Ms. Freeland’s children have each travelled to Ottawa to achieve an even better understanding.
When the House of Commons is in session, Ms. Freeland draws on the support of her two aunts who fly in from the prairies to assist the family.
What do you think?
How do you feel about this story profiling a senior political leader and how she integrated work and home life?
Now consider this quote from former U.S. President, Barack Obama:
“Workplace flexibility isn’t just a women’s issue. It’s an issue that affects the well-being of our families and the success of our businesses.”
Does highlighting a female politician’s work-life integration choices paint this as a women’s issue? Can you share any examples of men being profiled similarly? Are there differences?
What creative ways have you integrated work and life?
PRODUCTIVITY TRUTH: Treasured are opportunities in which you can perform your job without compromising family commitments.
