You know the phrase, “Well-behaved women rarely make history”?

Well, it’s always bothered me for two reasons: it sounds like justification for acting like a jerk, and I think it is missing the point completely. Is making history or being famous the best goal for your life? If so, I know several reality TV shows you can try out for. Isn’t it better to care less about fame and more about being happy or being successful? Plenty of people make history by failing. Now, I know that the point of the phrase is to encourage women to break out of traditional or stereotypical roles, but rather than worrying about all that gender role stuff, I would encourage every woman to do something that can make a real difference in their life. Be Subversive.

“Thought is subversive and revolutionary, destructive and terrible, Thought is merciless to privilege, established institutions, and comfortable habit. Thought is great and swift and free.”
Bertrand Russell

No, I’m not proposing a revolutionary overthrow of an established government like most of the definitions of subversive (what is this, the 1950′s McCarthy Era?). Subversion is a greatly overlooked skill and if you are reading this post, then you are probably more subversive than you know. Subversion isn’t about rebelling for rebellions sake, it’s about having the awareness to know the status quo sucks and doing something about it. It’s about holding firmly to your ideals and morals despite overwhelming pressure to give in. It’s about creativity, determination, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit.

In a roundabout way, this is my way of saying welcome to the Women of HR site! This will be a contributor blog that will bring together some amazing, bossy, creative, and yes, subversive, women (and men!) and we are so happy you could join us. Women in general, and female HR practitioners specifically, could all stand to learn how to be more subversive, and I hope that you continue to take advantage of all the great information, advice, and sense of community we hope this new venture will provide you. Because, as any subversive woman will tell you, if you won’t do it for yourself, no one will do it for you either.