Women in the Workplace: A Guide to Surviving and Thriving in a Male Dominated Workplace
/Kim Campbell was the first and only female prime minister of Canada and although Kamala Harris may have just been sworn into office as the first female Vice President of the United States, for the majority of millennial women, working in male-dominated fields where the “boys’ club” is still somehow a thing, a workplace free of gender bias can seem like a pipe dream.
Being a woman working in male-dominated industries and environments can be challenging. Despite the gains of women joining the male dominated workplaces; industries such as technology, finance and leaders of the government remain predominately male focused. In this blog post, look at these 4 tips to build a successful career in this male dominated industry without sacrificing your goals and what you want.
Find your allies
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of men today believe in the equal rights of women in the workplace. Beyond the subtle gender bias, look out for those colleagues seeking to be allies with women and don't be afraid to ask these men to mentor and advise you. Men who want to be allies often leave clues. They will listen to you. They amplify your opinions and thoughts during meetings. They speak up when they see gender bias and go out of their way to praise your work in front of their colleagues. Very simply, they advocate for you. So just be yourself. The key to any successful relationship is the ability to authentically be yourself, no matter what. I have built relationships with a foundation of trust with others because I don’t pretend to be something else and that translates into strong bonds.
Empowered women empower women
Women alone have power; collectively we have impact. Traditionally we have been taught to be competitive with one another, because there was such a scarcity of jobs at the top. It’s so clear that strategy doesn’t work. The truth is that raising each other up and channeling the power of collaboration is truly how we’ll change the equation. The niche of women in the finance industry, for example, is small, it is still helpful to find a group of women, whether it may be within your organization department or scattered throughout various companies and departments. Finding a strong group of women who can support and empower you is essential. This group of friends can help support you, strategize, meet your goals, learn to negotiate and give you a safe space to vent your frustrations.
Don’t be afraid to speak up
Instead of being silent, speak up and don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard. Otherwise, you will go unnoticed. Whether it may be stating your opinions, sharing your ideas or negotiating your salary. If you stay silent, you’re only hurting yourself.
Never stop learning
Lastly, knowledge is power, especially in a male dominated field. Remember that you have the position because you have the skills and the know-how to do your job. Some of your coworkers might have a few more years of experience under their belt and some will be at the same level as you. As long as you keep learning, there is no reason to doubt what you can accomplish. Not only will this allow you to become a master of your skills, but it will also boost your confidence and open up new opportunities within your industry. Women have the power to provide tremendous value in organizations and companies.
Working in a field where you are the minority may be daunting and feel lonely and challenging. If your dream career involves working in a male-dominated environment, don’t let this put you off. Although there are undeniable challenges associated with being a woman in a male-focused industry, you have the right to follow your professional ambitions and use your talents in any way you choose. With a strong support network and when you get into the right mindset, it will be a lot easier to survive and thrive to the top. We hope these tips will help you to succeed in any male-dominated industry!
By: Karen Shen