According to most, it's time parents re-think their age-old beliefs about boys being a better investment than the girl-child. Girls get better grades at school than boys, and in most developed countries more women than men go to university. Women will thus be better equipped for the new jobs of the 21st century, in which brains count a lot more than brawn. 

Further, the increase in female employment in the world has been the main driving force of growth in the past couple of decades. Increasing number of women in the workforce has contributed more to the global increase in GDP than even new technology! Add the value of housework and child-rearing, and women probably account for over half of world output. 

Research as well as survey of senior managers has shown that women are more hard working and committed. Women have more of a collaborative style and are found to work harder towards a mutually beneficial solution. Women have greater listening skills and are able to empathize with ease making them more approachable- a quality that all successful leaders and mentors have been found to possess. Women are better team players and give a lot of attention to detail. 

However, it is true that women still get paid less and few make it to the top of companies, and those that do get to the top level, have to face a lot more opposition than most men. Experience shows that in spite of all the progress women have made in the last few decades, the going is still tough. 

Women are still fairly new in this so called "man's world" and there are numerous preconceived notions that precede a woman's entry into the workplace. It is said that women are too emotional and sensitive, take everything personally and are not open to constructive criticism. Women are also perceived to be lacking focus- career is not as important to them as it is to men. Some other accusations against women are that they are passive or worse, flirt their way to success. 

These may or may not be true, but as long as such beliefs exist, progress for women is going to be slow and difficult. Thankfully, there are things women can do to overcome these stereotypes and prejudices and achieve success. 

Focus on a Career Path. Know what you want from your career. Think of where you would like to be a few years down the line. Set goals - long term as well as short term. This will help you have a clear and realistic idea of how you would like your career to shape up. 

While at work, focus on the work at hand. Portray that it is not just a job, but a career. 

Commitment 

Display commitment and show that you are doing a good job. Be honest and accept mistakes ( if any), its good to avoid making excuses, work hard at not just completing the task but make sure you do them well. 

When your superiors know that you are committed to your work, they will find it easier to accept and even overlook mistakes you might have unwittingly made and may also be more willing to give you the flexibility you may need at times. 

Convey Confidence 

Convey confidence that you can do the job even if you don't feel 100% confident. Feign confidence and gradually you will also feel it! And it is true that people trust and gravitate towards those who are seen as confident (but not overbearing). Be composed and self-assured. 

Don't Cry 

While crying may be a healthy way of expressing hurt, pain and perhaps even anger, however, at work it can be avoided.  

Communication 

Communicate right. Use professional and crisp language to communicate facts. At the work-place logic and rationality takes precedence over beating around the bush and focussing on emotional content. However, do be mindful of not hurting other people in the process. 

While at work try to avoid talking too much about the family as it reinforces the view that women are only interested in their families. If you wish to talk to your colleague (or over the phone) about something personal, don't involve the whole office in your chat! Speak when you are alone or during lunch hour. 

Be Assertive 

Women are taught to be lady-like, or in other words passive. In the effort to overcome this inherent passivity, some women tend to get aggressive instead. Neither is very successful while dealing with conflict resolution, so one needs to learn to become assertive - to be able to put one's foot down and get the point across without disrespecting the other person. 

Dress for Success 

Clothes talk. What you wear speaks volumes about who you are- and who you want to be. The aim while getting dressed for work should be to convey confidence and professionalism. 

However unfortunate and unfair, it is still true that men are more critical of women than they are of other men - their gestures, tone, speaking style, dress, and behaviour. Women need to strengthen themselves to succeed in what is still largely a "man's world". And although it is not suggested that you give up the unique qualities that being a woman carries, it might still be wise to learn some points from the men. 

If you would like to discuss this further or need some help or support in this or any other area, our counsellors would be happy to help. 
 
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