I am woman
Dear e-COACH,
I am the only female manager in a male dominated company. I just got promoted. I want to be taken seriously. What is the right way to act, dress and work to achieve that?
Dear Female Manager,
I once saw Gloria Steinem speak eloquently at a conference of 800 women. During the Q & A period she was asked: "What should women wear to work?" Her reply, to thunderous applause, was: "Anything they flipping well like" (I cleaned it up a little). An empowering concept, for sure. Here are my thoughts on how to "be taken seriously" as a female in a traditional business environment. You probably won't like some of them and yes, I know they're not fair.
- Work hard and achieve results. This is #1, male or female
- Do something to earn respect
- Have a basic knowledge of current events, including politics and sport
Dress like a professional woman. (Bank officers and news anchors usually set good examples.)
- Save your tight, short, low cut, funky outfits for days off. If you are showing your personal assets, they may speak louder than your business attributes
- Wear blazers - they look professional, you always have a pocket for cards and no one can check the view when you're leaving the room.
- Wear your hair short or tie it back. (I know, you shouldn't have to…)
- Forget spiky heels - you won't keep up with a taller man on a fast walk
- Don't eat with 'the girls' in the lunchroom. Eat with peers and your team
- Don't giggle, make self-deprecating remarks or underplay your intelligence
- Be friendly with the other managers…find a common ground
- Make sure your child care issues are in order
- Do not offer unsolicited opinions on your male co-workers' wardrobes, hair or personal relationships
- Don't look shocked at swear words, but use them sparingly, if at all, yourself
- Have a sense of humour. Lighten up. Tell a joke now and then
- Get a map, learn to read it and to get yourself around confidently
Learn to read and utilize a financial statement
- Pay the tab at lunch often. It's not a date. Don't calculate just your share when the bill comes - pay the whole thing if it's your turn
- Do not discuss, your love life, illnesses, diet, grooming or anything overly personal. Most men (and many women) are uncomfortable with discussions of this nature
- Don't cry at work, unless you're alone in the bathroom
- Do not flirt or ask for opinions / compliments on your personalappearance
- Remember the business goal and why you're on the payroll
- Don't try to act like a man - just be your best professional self every day
|
