These days, more and more women are earning relevant places in their work positions. The challenges of opening borders for future women labour generations are satisfactory but palpable, above all in a mostly occupied by men’s work environments. The current global labour force participation rate for women is close to 49%. For men, it’s 75%. Read on 4 Mindset Tips To Excel In A Mostly-Male Work Environment
That’s a difference of 26 percentage points (International Labour Organization, 2018). Guaranteeing the right of freedom to work for women is still an important end in itself. If you are one of those women who has achieved being on board as a woman in leadership or plans to, keeping in mind these 4 mindset tips will help you to feel confident so far in a mostly-male work environment.
4 Mindset Tips To Excel In A Mostly-Male Work Environment
• REMOVE FROM YOURSELF TRADITIONAL GENDER ROLE BELIEFS
The traditional gender beliefs about how males and females typically act or should act have naturally become less prevalent over time. Women who endorse traditional gender role beliefs related to family and work roles are more likely to focus on family responsibilities with evident consequences for their careers. The woman of our time counts with the necessary tools in order to be able to have it all with organization and dedication. Forget about the time range and follow your instinct to achieve your personal and professional dreams in harmony. Remember that you have much more to offer than the traditional role imposed by an old unequal society.
• MAKE YOUR VOICE HEAR
Developing a leadership attitude and personality is essential. The way you project yourself to others must be carefully worked from inside in order to spread security, full capacity for decision-making and responsibility. Your voice is just as valid as that of your colleagues, make sure it is taken into account and don’t hesitate to persuade when it´s needed. Whether you choose to communicate verbally, via email or by phone, being concise, clear and accurate will help your message be received in the right way. Knowing how to defend your arguments and trust your criteria will add added value to your team.
• CREATE DIALOGUE WITH YOUR MEN’S COLLEAGUES
Take advantage of your position to create dialogues with your male colleagues. Show them through your work and example that mixed-gender teamwork works effectively. That will create a positive impact on your company and its work philosophy, as well as its vision for future generations. Remember that it is quite likely that on various occasions you will have to redirect deep-rooted thoughts about women’s roles. Instead of getting angry easily, making use of the chance to give them meaningful reasons and facts why normalize and naturalize women´s leadership role would be positive for all of us.
• OPEN THE DOOR TO ANOTHER WOMAN BEHIND YOU
If you have succeeded in your area, help another woman behind you to do so too. Opening the opportunity to a career-woman with high references or training a novel one will always be in our hands. Supporting each other through different pathways and opportunities it´s essential to open the barriers for the future.