SO, YOU want to become the CEO of a Fortune 500 company? Keep going and never mind the `nay-sayers'. Times have changed indeed! Women are no longer confined to running households; they now run multi- crore companies. They have made great strides in every field and thus entrenched themselves in all echelons of the corporate sector.
However, there is still discrimination in career matters and harassment continues to be a cause for concern. They are still stymied at the workplace as circumstances work to their disadvantage.
For women work is not mutually exclusive because they have to don various hats -- raising a family, caring for elders, meeting the various home demands besides being an efficient professional.
Men on the other hand, can work longer hours, travel or relocate whenever called for and do not need an extended maternity leave too! Add to this, the eternal attitude problem among most men who are loath to take orders from a woman.
Well, it may be a man's world out there but instead of blaming our chromosomal composition, why don't we stand up and deal with the situation? You can beat men at their own game.
Build up confidence
Cultivate a positive mindset that does not allow for self-pity. Think that, `I can and shall perform well, compete with men and win too'. Build your self- confidence to assert yourself among men instead of running for cover. Confidently ask for what you deserve - be it a raise or more responsibility.
Keep a lid on emotions
Men are wary of women because of the latter's propensity to become emotional at the drop of a hat. Women are more vulnerable to emotions - be it happiness, sadness or frustration. Get a handle on such overpowering feelings, as there is no place for tears in the boardroom.
Communicate well
Phyllis Mindell, author of `How to Say it for Women' opines, `... at work, women use weak language that sabotages their messages and ability to succeed. Whether standing before an audience, writing a memo or interacting with others, weak language lessens the impact of our words, undermines our contributions and hinders our growth and influence.' So, be clear and assertive in your speech and attitude without sounding supercilious.
Blow your own trumpet
One reason why men manage to win that prized corner office and so much more, is that they are not shy about blowing their own trumpet. Women, on the other hand fight shy of broadcasting their achievements. Anyway discrimination subtly rules the roost as women find themselves routinely ignored in the race for prestigious projects, salary hikes and promotions.
Recognise the value of what you do and do not downplay your successes. Learn to promote yourself whenever and wherever possible. It is not wrong.
Don't take things lying down
Do not be over-accommodating and meekly accept discrimination as your lot. Expect rewards in line with your achievements. However, make sure you are as good as you claim to be.
Do the balancing act
If you are tied down by family responsibilities, look for a people-friendly organisation that puts its employees first. You can negotiate with your employer about what family friendly policies he/she is willing to implement. You can even opt for part-time or flexi time options or telecommute. Also talk to your spouse about what family responsibilities he is willing to share.
Success calls for skills but it also consists in regularly honing your abilities and harnessing and leveraging your innate talents like connecting with people, right judgment, ability to adapt yourself to change etc. Never expect or ask for any favour just because you are a woman!
A `level-playing field' may remain by and large elusive but there is still a field and there are willing players!
However, there is still discrimination in career matters and harassment continues to be a cause for concern. They are still stymied at the workplace as circumstances work to their disadvantage.
For women work is not mutually exclusive because they have to don various hats -- raising a family, caring for elders, meeting the various home demands besides being an efficient professional.
Men on the other hand, can work longer hours, travel or relocate whenever called for and do not need an extended maternity leave too! Add to this, the eternal attitude problem among most men who are loath to take orders from a woman.
Well, it may be a man's world out there but instead of blaming our chromosomal composition, why don't we stand up and deal with the situation? You can beat men at their own game.
Build up confidence
Cultivate a positive mindset that does not allow for self-pity. Think that, `I can and shall perform well, compete with men and win too'. Build your self- confidence to assert yourself among men instead of running for cover. Confidently ask for what you deserve - be it a raise or more responsibility.
Keep a lid on emotions
Men are wary of women because of the latter's propensity to become emotional at the drop of a hat. Women are more vulnerable to emotions - be it happiness, sadness or frustration. Get a handle on such overpowering feelings, as there is no place for tears in the boardroom.
Communicate well
Phyllis Mindell, author of `How to Say it for Women' opines, `... at work, women use weak language that sabotages their messages and ability to succeed. Whether standing before an audience, writing a memo or interacting with others, weak language lessens the impact of our words, undermines our contributions and hinders our growth and influence.' So, be clear and assertive in your speech and attitude without sounding supercilious.
Blow your own trumpet
One reason why men manage to win that prized corner office and so much more, is that they are not shy about blowing their own trumpet. Women, on the other hand fight shy of broadcasting their achievements. Anyway discrimination subtly rules the roost as women find themselves routinely ignored in the race for prestigious projects, salary hikes and promotions.
Recognise the value of what you do and do not downplay your successes. Learn to promote yourself whenever and wherever possible. It is not wrong.
Don't take things lying down
Do not be over-accommodating and meekly accept discrimination as your lot. Expect rewards in line with your achievements. However, make sure you are as good as you claim to be.
Do the balancing act
If you are tied down by family responsibilities, look for a people-friendly organisation that puts its employees first. You can negotiate with your employer about what family friendly policies he/she is willing to implement. You can even opt for part-time or flexi time options or telecommute. Also talk to your spouse about what family responsibilities he is willing to share.
Success calls for skills but it also consists in regularly honing your abilities and harnessing and leveraging your innate talents like connecting with people, right judgment, ability to adapt yourself to change etc. Never expect or ask for any favour just because you are a woman!
A `level-playing field' may remain by and large elusive but there is still a field and there are willing players!
PAYAL CHANANIA
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