We have all heard about “being one of the boys.” As women, we aren’t, never will be and furthermore, why would we want to? Both genders have their strengths and as women we need to remember what ours are.
In a 2005 study, The Center for Work/Life Policy asked women what they want in the workplace. 79% percent of women said “The freedom to be myself at work,” and that expressing general pleasantry was often misconstrued as weakness. It is a fact that we tend to be compassionate and empathetic by nature. Those qualities make us better team players. But when the team consists of men, women need to “speak their language.” It’s a balancing act, as most of life is. Developing a style of communication is essential no matter who you are working with. A mentor once told me, never answer the question “How are you?” with “Fine.” Instead give a quick, one-sentence update about what you are currently working on. This often leads to a longer conversation and gives you an opportunity to spotlight your work. But always keep the emotions out of the conversation.
We would all like to believe that in this day and age no women would need to be reminded about the negative consequences of flirtatious behaviors. But, how often do you still witness it? Successful women know not to flirt, swear or dress provocatively and statistics prove that women, who attempt these tactics, are less likely to gain promotions. Maybe the saying, “Dress for Success,” is cliché but it is true. As your female co-worker, I don’t need to see the “girls,” I have a set of my own and although the men will enjoy the view, they won’t be thinking about the spot on budget projections report, that you’ve just handed them.
If you want to get ahead, use your smarts, embrace your strengths as a woman and don’t play into the clichés.
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