There is no denying the decades of institutionalised sexism and misogyny that have disfavoured women in the workplace. This has led to unequal pay, the absence of females in management positions, and the inappropriate treatment of female staff.
There is no denying the decades of institutionalised sexism and misogyny that have disfavoured women in the workplace. This has led to unequal pay, the absence of females in management positions, and the inappropriate treatment of female staff. Luckily times are changing and laws have been enacted to elevate women and put them on equal-footing with their male counterparts. However, this is easier said than done and there are a host of reasons why women still feel disadvantaged in comparison to men in their various professional capacities.
In 2013, Sheryl Sandberg made the controversial argument that women are, in fact, holding themselves back from reaching the same career heights as men. In her book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, Sanders addresses some of the things that women do to hold themselves back. If you feel that you are not being adequately recognised in your profession, ask yourself the following questions.
Do you limit yourself?
Sanders explains that women are taught from an early age to stay out of power and therefore limit their own potential.
Do you find that you avoid greater responsibility and complicated tasks because you feel less capable than your male colleagues? Sanders’ personal examples of the workplace also reflect psychological data: women underestimate themselves. If you fall into the trap of self-doubt, rather look at a difficult task as a challenge that you can meet with additional effort. Don’t sell yourself short by saying someone else can do it better – Tackle the challenge yourself rather than allowing a male counterpart the opportunity.
Who do you attribute your success to?
Sanders found that men and women view their successes differently. If a man is complimented on a good job, he believes that it is because he is really great at what he does. When a woman is affirmed, she is more generous in her acknowledgement of success often claiming that she ‘had help’, ‘got lucky’ or ‘had a great team’. Take the credit – Promotion isn’t forthcoming if you don’t believe you deserve success.
Are you leaning back?
Women often plan for events that have not happened yet. Sanders explains this as ‘leaving before you leave’. Women don’t put themselves forward for promotions or try to take on additional work because they’re thinking of the future when they will take on the responsibility of a husband, and perhaps children! This is out-of-date thinking. When the time comes for the first child (ie. the husband) and you do fall pregnant, then you can make decisions about taking on less work or working shorter hours. Companies today are far more flexible, choosing to retain the right employee under flexi-conditions rather than losing the opportunity completely.
Remember, every women is a Worthy Women, and if you aren’t sitting at the table negotiating for yourself, you will never own your own success!
Worthy Women is available to purchase via our website: http://lyfeacademy.com.au/
Available to purchase via Amazon: http://ow.ly/XA8My
The roots of courageous leadership are firmly planted in self awareness, ownership and accountability.
Work on strengthening two different aspects of resilience.
When at a career crossroads, give yourself room to imagine what’s possible without any guilt.
Spring Forward
PO Box 7136
Hawthorn VIC 3122
Phone: +61 405 538 288
info@springforward.com.au
