> Julie, an organic chemist, was doing drug research at a lab. Her boss, Gordon, was a well-regarded scientist but also a known shauvinist with a huge ego.
> One day she walked into Gordon’s office to ask for his feedback on the draft of a research paper they were "co-" authoring but which was basically her own independent work. Gordon told her that it was the “worst piece of rubbish” he’d ever seen, and "that's the problem with letting women in research".
> Julie realised that if she wanted to get published she'd have to suck up to Gordon and make him feel in charge again, so she did. “Gordon you magnificent beast, your word is gospel, and I'm just a lowly piece of skirt, vying in a man's world. Lend me your ineffable wisdom, oh exalted one, so that I may get published under your wing, and praise thy name forward unto the ages, amen".
> Gordon’s mood seemed to instantly improve. He looked the paper over, pointing out "problems" to be addressed and offering generic ideas on the spot, completely ignoring months of literature review and careful experimentation which warned against them.
> Julie went on to publish the paper in a top journal because it had Gordon's name on it, and Gordon is also friends with the editor. She even received a major award for it.
> (This is a retelling of a true story from the writings of the preeminent psychotherapist Dr. David Burns, whom Julie had to visit many, many times.)
P.S. I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm sorry I'm so sorry.