Intimidation, gender bias, and mansplaining. As a woman, you have likely dealt with at least one of these issues. In the workplace, there is also have the added stress of dealing with the gender pay gap, sexual harassment, and the ubiquitous glass ceiling. So, how do you overcome these obstacles? Use this guide from guest writer Harper Reid for breaking through the glass ceiling.
Breaking through the glass ceiling
It’s difficult enough as a woman to command respect in industries like law, business, and medicine. How about shattering the ceiling of androcentric industries like trucking, construction or tech?
How do you stay focused, inspire other women, and kick butt in your job? Let’s look at rockstar women breaking through the glass ceiling and analyze how women are succeeding in male-dominated industries.
When you’re the only woman on the team
You’re good at your job. Nay, you rock at your job.
However, just by being assertive or confident in your role, women can be perceived as bossy, bitchy, or weak.
Lone women in the workplace are more likely to be thought incompetent or have their authority doubted.
Dealing with this and the weight of expectation when you’re surrounded by men who may not think you have a right to be there is a heavy burden to carry. This can prevent you from being your authentic self and takes energy away from you crushing it at your job.
How do you perform at your best as a lone warrior and stay focused?
Tips for keeping focus and breaking through the glass ceiling:
1. Build a support network
Women tend to avoid fraternising in a male-dominated workplace, particularly with other women. However, the focus on earning the respect of all your peers – particularly the other women.
Reach out to other women in your industry. Attend networking events. Make it your legacy to set an example of pure brilliance for all women who join the ranks after you.
2. Learn the lingo
There’s no need to pretend to be “one of the boys,” but learn to hold your own in “guy talk.”
Do you like sports? Investing? Politics? Or another traditionally male topic? Be proud you can join in their conversations and challenge them on certain topics.
3. Choose your battles
Going full “Joan of Arc” daily and fighting for women’s equality can be exhausting. It’s simply a battle you’ll never win alone.
Instead of getting worked up by every little comment, a “Really?” retort may go a long way toward correcting behaviour that won’t embarrass the other person. Or appear overly confrontational.
4. Find a mentor; Be a mentor
In order for us to pave the way for women in male-dominated arenas, we need to be dynamic advocates of, and for, each other.
Mentoring offers several benefits, including:
- Leadership opportunities
- Advocacy at higher levels
- Better projects
- Growing professional relationships
- Mutual support
Be available to provide advice for seeking out career advancements and tools for success. Your mentoring efforts will help empower women to apply these lessons and attitude throughout their career.
They’ll then pass it on to other women in the industry. All of which can create a positive global effect over time.
Awesome role models for breaking through the glass ceiling
From train drivers to heads of industry, women are crushing their jobs and challenging stereotypes.
Trucking
Katie Gillard, 21, is one of only 1600 female truck drivers out of 300,000 in the UK. Katie deals daily with men who treat her as though because she’s “only a young girl” who has no idea how to handle a lorry. But Katie understands that trucking is a man’s world, and she just focuses on the job she loves.
Construction
Dimitra Koutsi, 32, a Construction Engineer and Stem Ambassador who thrives on providing value to society and working in a role that can help change lives. She is proud to be a role model to encourage young women to get into construction.
IT industry
The co-CEO of Oracle, Safra Catz is one of the highest-paid female executives in tech. She succeeded in filling some large (male) shoes and filled them with determination, talent and leadership that took Oracle to the next level.
You may be the first woman in your role. You may be the only woman. But countless women are breaking through the glass ceiling. Thousands of women are succeeding in male-dominated industries, and there will be many more to follow.
Don’t give up on your ambitions. Call on your support squad when you need it, and show both yourself and your team who’s boss.
About today’s writer
Harper Reid is a freelance writer based from Auckland, New Zealand. She often focuses her articles on career development and business and loves to inspire women and motivate them through her writing. She has also penned various articles for local NZ business such as Sea Containers. Read more of her articles on her blog.
Some good tips here, Christy.