Are Women Supporting Each Other at Work?

Are women supporting each other at work

I feel that we need to raise awareness about women supporting each other in the workplace. To my mind, women helping women is an unused resource. A resource that, if we all utilize, can further the company we work for and us.

So, how can things get better with collaboration amongst female professionals? 

Before we jump in, let’s take a step back. Discrimination against women in the workplace is, unfortunately, an old story. Women face multiple barriers from getting the job to earning promotions. A lot has been written about how hard women have to work to prove themselves and achieve higher positions. The term, breaking the glass ceiling, was first coined to focus on the hardships women encountered in a male-dominated workplace.  

However, we missed out on how women treat other women

Nowadaysvarious research pieces are also being conducted on how their own tribe members mistreat females. Women are accused of bullying, ill-treating women, and competing with each other.  

Simultaneously, a different set of studies show what females can gain by supporting each other at work. Let us study this latter motion and find out how to move towards a better future  a future where women supporting each other is more widespread. 

 The emergence of women power 

The situation was very tough for the first wave of female executives. They were treated unfairly and had to face disparity in pay packages and other forms of discrimination. Despite these setbacks, women advanced to key leadership positions. They steered up changes that were welcomed by all. And the result? More and more women felt the motivation to join the workforce.  

People, who believed the problem of discrimination would be alleviated by introducing more women into the workforce, were proven wrong. Sadly, most women imitated their counterparts’ leadership style and came across as harsh, mean, and demanding. At the time, it appeared natural, as these women were the first generation of female managers and leaders. They were working in a maledominated setup and trying to find their foothold. 

Women against women – the other side of discrimination 

The less known side of discrimination is that women bring on almost 40% of workplace bullying. It might feel like the wild wild west of the modern working environmentIn some cases, they have a sour relationship with their female colleagues and subordinates. These relationships are devoid of trust and the ability to rely on each otherThey often refuse to accept new ideas proposed by their female colleagues. Other females envy the achievements of women. Their same gender colleagues can ridicule women with bold ideas and firm beliefs communicated with confidence. Often derogatory words are used against ambitious women, and their success is attributed to unfair means. In a nutshell, some women are not supporting each other at work. Furthermore, its startling that most women believe this and try to stay away from female colleagues. Some women depend more on their male counterparts than their female co-workers. Its a gloomy picture, right?  

 Women competing with women in the workplace 

Well, the good news is that despite all the barriers and hurdles, the participation of women in the workforce is increasing. According to a recent study, 49% of our workforce is made up of women now. They learn their own authentic ways to shine light on their results and professional expertise and strive to prove the value they create. At the same time, they face another challenge, the challenge of women supporting each other. 

Competition in the workplace is not new invention. Although, you will hear plenty of stories of women competing with the mindset that they need to bring each other down. This competition is unhealthy as it makes one win by making the other lose. It is also known as covert competition or indirect aggressionSome women find it challenging to see other women getting promotions, experiencing pay hikes, or being recognized 

What else? Jealousy is another emotion attached to covert competition. A woman may like another womans presentation skills, but they would feel envious of the recognition the other woman receives after the meeting. She may feel threatened by the other persons popularity.  

Lets take a minute or two to think about why that is so. 

The general belief among people has been, for a while, that women are not supporting each other at work. What if the situation was different? Just think about the numerous initiatives, organizations, projects, or networks women started, seeing women collaborating and helping other women grow. 

Everybody gains when women support each other 

There is great power in collaboration! Women supporting each other not only make us feel great but also increase our chances of success. There is power with the pack, and the more women realize this, the more changes they can bring to the equation. Situations that seem hostile or negative can be turned into positive and encouraging if women support each other at work. 

Then there is a bigger question of gender equality at work. How can we achieve that if we have women bullying women? Collaboration over competition will help women to fight misogyny and overcome genderrelated difficulties.  

Benefits of networking and women supporting each other 

According to a Harvard Business Review study, both men and women benefit from having a network of peersBesideswomen stand to gain more in terms of finding better job opportunities and higher pay packages. Women face bias in various forms while trying to climb the ladder of leadership. But having close contact with other women helps them to deal with these hurdles easier. They can benefit from the experiences of women who have already faced bias. You can make better decisions, dare to ask for what you are worth, and offer your unique talents to align with the organization’s goals. 

Thats right – building your own circle of girls, and having each others back is a great feeling. Having strong professional relationships with peers and supporting each other could help women to advance their careers. Women act as sponsors and mentors to each other, which, in the long run, is beneficial to them as well as the organization. 

Move beyond connection building  

When we attend conferences and training sessions, we also aim to build connections with like-minded people. But what are connections? A stack of business cards? Remember, for long-lasting growth and support, you need relationships and not mere connections. Women need to get out there and create strong working relationships with females from other groups. All this would be possible if you shake off your insecurities and reach out to peers 

The power in relationships when women supporting each other 

We all know that relationships are powerful in creating feelings of security and dependence. Based on shared interests and goals, these unique connections could propel you to be even more successful at work. Imagine the reassuring feeling you get when you are in an environment where you can meet other women, share your experiences, and expand your horizon. Ita lot of fun and an opportunity to release stress, something that women professionals desperately need. Thus, women leaders must encourage relationship building with other females. Mentoring, coaching, and networking are tools that can promote healthy relationships between female co-workers. 

Build each other up  

This is an excellent idea! When you help others to rise, you shine. Building each other up is a way of promoting a friendly environment where people get their due credit. When someone does a great job, congratulate them, share it with others, and encourage others to try harder. When you build each other up, you motivate even more women to join and strengthen your tribe. This is the best way to fight genderrelated difficulties and ensure your work is seen and appreciated. Together, you can ask for transparent policies, equality in pay packages, and other benefits.  

Collaborate, dont compete with each other 

Why do women compete with other women? When good opportunities are scarce, if a woman fears that her efforts will go unnoticed or she will not be compensated for her hard work, she will try to compete hard and grab the prize.’ However, when you look at it from the opposite point of view, you will see abundance and not scarcity. Collaborating will make it easier for you to get the coveted position. Working together has other benefits, too: creating better workplace environment, developing relationships based on trust and dependence, and enjoying your work. 

Grow along with others 

have mentioned above how the first generation of women leaders imitated their male counterparts in leading teams and delivering results. It was observed that the subsequent women leaders moved away from this practice and used their unique skills to motivate others. They are more empathetic, value work-life balance, focus on teamwork, nurture talents, and are strong communicators. Women leaders can handle crises well. They panic less and are good at multi-tasking. These qualities make women leaders more successful and contribute to the growth of organizations. Having leaders who collaborate will have a positive effect on the work culture. Companies that have more women leaders at the top have a positive brand image in the market too. 

Women supporting each other 

It sounds great to have friends at work, doesnt it! When you know you have someone to turn to or ask for advice, you become more self-dependent. Collaboration, friendly atmosphere, and fewer gender gaps bring out the best in employees. So, start seeing the change when women supporting each other becomes more frequent and see how you move ahead towards your goal collectively. Bring about the change, be the change, and find the world changing around you! 

Inspiration for women who want to achieve more

cover image for inspiration for women who want to achieve more

How do we become high achievers? Learn from successful women. Inspirational video of high achieving women.

“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more you are an excellent leader.”

Dolly Parton singer-songwriter

How does a woman become a high achiever?

inspirational image for high achieving women

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

First, according to a study about Harvard Business School MBA graduates, some years ago, women and men had similar values regarding their hopes for achievements in life and career.

Secondly, women rated factors such as a satisfying work that is meaningful. Also,  professional achievements and accomplishments are key dimensions of their professional lives. Furthermore, career growth opportunities and development programmes were of as much importance to them.

In addition, while some work in corporate jobs and others find job satisfaction and fulfilment in other professional areas, achievement and the desire for inspiration & growth are formed parts of our lives.

Whether we work in business, as artists or in public services, there are behavioural patterns that enable us to higher achievement. Such behavioural patterns are:

  • seeking clarity about her own self and the world around her
  • finding and generating energy in almost any situation
  • being courageous and bold, trusting her own abilities
  • continuously improving herself and her capabilities

We could continue this list, do some research and find that there are unique views on this topic. Instead, why don’t we view the following video and think about these amazing women? Moreover, every high achieving women is inspirational for their hard work, dedication and spirit. How did they do it?

Finally, get more inspiration by reading How do women do business? Also, you can learn about How do high achievers really think?

How Do Women Do Business?

How do women do business

2-min read

Businesses – small entrepreneurships and large multinational organizations – are built on passion. The passion of the founder and the passion and dedication of the people within the business. How else would you deliver something better every single day? Read on to find out about how women do business differently.

Women in business. Interesting topic, isn’t it? I love it!

Some believe business is the domain of men and even though the number of women in various areas of business has increased over the last decade, there is still room for improvement. I have built three companies so far and can confidently say all the businesses had a woman’s touch.

What is a woman’s touch exactly?

I have recently heard an interview with a property mogul. He explained that, in his opinion, women go deeper into the details to understand the whole process and the steps in it. Based on my experience, I can certainly confirm that.

For better or worse, I like to understand what is happening in the process. I say ‘for better or worse’ because going too deep takes precious time and I had to learn to be satisfied with the interpretation of critical metrics in my businesses. It was a learning curve for me to understand that my efforts to become knowledgeable about every teeny-tiny step in a process was merely my way of handling uncertainties and insecurities. I thought knowing all about it would make me more confident. It helped some, for sure, but it didn’t make the difference you would believe.

What made the real difference was to select excellent people and work with great suppliers. The ones who know their job and do their job.

I also understood from the interview that this property mogul thought women put more emotions and passion into a business. Comments similar to that haunted me for years.

Male executives dominate the side of my business where we deal with business transformations; and I heard such comments, not once.

The problem wasn’t the comment itself but how I interpreted it. Whatever those men meant to say when they made such a comment, I believed it had a negative meaning. Also, I wasn’t the only one.

Today, I can proudly say that, damn right, I put more emotion and passion into my business. Just differently.

Businesses, small enterprises, or large multinational companies, are built on passion. The passion of the founder and the passion and dedication of the people within that business. How else would you deliver something better every single day?

Being passionate is a good thing, as long as it drives forward the business. I believe, the problems start when fear and lack of self-confidence creep in, question marks queue in your mind every single day, and doubts build up. I make no mistake, it happens, you cannot avoid it from happening.

Putting more emotion into the business is not wrong; it’s just different. Women and men are different, and therefore they do business differently. Previously, I didn’t do research on how women do business, but I know how I do it. I put compassion in it, and I am well aware of that. Furthermore, I know that my thoughts drive my emotions, and see the difference between an opinion formulated based on feelings and hard facts. So, this is precisely why I think it is fantastic that women build businesses differently than men do.

The world is changing. Technology cuts through the fabric of business and society and people want to be connected more than ever. The level of self-awareness is increasing, and people stay with companies who demonstrate social responsibility. We get closer to the balance of heart and mind every single day. Women doing business is a part of this evolution. I am fortunate to be a part of this evolution.

For more inspiration read the following article Inspiration for women who want to achieve more.

3 Methods successful women follow to keep their career on track

methods successful women follow

We bring many habits and beliefs from our childhood, but it would be a mistake to believe that only those beliefs influence us, even at later stages in our lives. There are good practices we can learn from successful women who already made it.

 

 

Also worth to check these 9 Ways to improve your self-discipline.

Some grow up in a family where setting goals is a natural part of kids’ lives from their early age, while other parents let their kids discover the way of planning their life and tasks on their own. One method may work as good as the other.

We bring many habits and beliefs from our childhood, but it would be a mistake to believe that only those beliefs influence us, even at later stages in our lives. There are good practices we can learn from women who already made it.
Let’s see a couple of examples:

Plan your life as you would plan a project in your work.

When you are working on a project in your job, you need to plan resources, assess risks, consider limitations and make sure the project is going to deliver the benefits you or your stakeholders expect.

  • Why would you accept anything less?
  • Why would you care any less when it comes to your life?

If you think about your career as a journey from the “Where have you been” through the “Where you are at the moment” on your way to the “Where you should be”, you are going to focus on what positions, tasks, experiences and skills take you there. And that is precisely the focus you need.

Fear not to say no

Over your lifetime many opportunities will come your way. Some will look particularly great, while others you need to let go.

You heard the word “no” many times in your life but when it comes to saying it to someone else, especially to a person who may be able to influence how your career develops, saying no might not be the most natural thing to do. We are all inclined to say yes now and then; when we should say no.

Think about it that way, every time you say yes when you should say no, you take time and opportunity away from yourself. Every time you say no you create space for something that works for you better.

Work with mentors

Setting goals is easy when you have a clear idea of what you want and a sense of purpose, but it becomes slightly fuzzy when you are not sure what direction to take. If you are in this situation right now, just know that you are not alone. Many people, at some point in their lives, will reach a turning point when they realise they have to change their ways.

Our parents or grandparents had probably worked for the same company for decades, while changes these days are constant in the majority of business sectors; and professionals need to adopt new practices more often than not. Whenever a change, affecting your career progress happens, it also creates an opportunity to think about your life overall.

In the middle of changes and the daily grind, your ability to see the bigger picture is different, and it is advised that you find a mentor who either had a similar situation in her or his life or has already achieved what you want to accomplish.