Succeeding as a woman in business can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.
If you look closely at upper management in corporate America, you’ll notice there’s a distinct lack of women in leadership roles at the highest ranks.
Not only do women have to deal with gender balance issues in the workplace, but they also face internal struggles in their rise to success.
To be competitive, women don’t have to give up who they are – nor should they – but they do have to change their approach. The key to success is understanding how your male counterparts think so you can succeed and win at work!
Follow These Rules to Get Ahead at the Office
To that end, here are 10 rules to help women play the business game smarter, stronger, and more successfully:
Rule 1: Be Willing to Take Risks
You know what they say – no risk, no reward. The same is true in business. If you want to get that promotion, you have to be bold and go after it.
Rule 2: Speak Up
It can be intimidating to share your big idea in a room full of men in suits. In 2012, Heath, Flynn, and Holt conducted a study in which they found that men looked down upon their female colleagues during meetings, saying they spoke too softly, were easily interrupted, and were too apologetic.
Women need to own the room by standing up, speaking their ideas with conviction, and commanding respect. Go into the meeting armed with your expertise and ready to contribute on key discussion points.
Rule 3: Ditch the Drama
Male leaders often view female emotion as a sign of being weak, so it’s important that you are aware of the way you present your ideas.
When you feel emotionally overloaded, take time to step back and cool down so you can choose to respond rather than react. By owning your power and speaking calmly and authoritatively while conveying confidence, you’ll get the respect you desire. I use a “Curtain Down, Curtain Up” process.
So, before losing my cool I visualize myself on a stage and a curtain coming down, giving me just the right amount of time to gather my thoughts. Then, it’s curtain up again and I’m able to speak with full control and confidence.
Rule 4: Take a Chill Pill
As women we can be emotional. When a colleague treats you negatively, we spend a lot of time trying to figure it out, and sometimes that leads to getting really worked up and stewing about things.
Let it go. Don’t stress. Stay focused and in the moment. The sooner you can put the matter behind you, the sooner you’ll be onto the next big thing. Much of the time it has nothing to do with you at all – it’s something going on with them and you can’t change that.
Rule 5: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others
Is there a woman in the office that you admire, copy, or envy? Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on your own unique qualities and capabilities.
Don’t be a second-rate version of someone else when you can be the best version of yourself. The more you authentically lean into your strengths, the easier success will come to you.
Rule 6: Radiate Confidence
You’ve probably heard a famous quote by Henry Ford that said “Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Develop a strong, positive self-image. When you respect yourself, believe in your abilities, and put yourself out there, people take notice.
Keep a list of your wins. Collect a file of “atta girl”s you can review as needed. Be unstoppable.
There’s no keeping down a determined woman who believes in herself and takes the right action steps to be her best. Say to the world, “Sure I can – just watch me!”
Rule 7: Forget Being Popular – Command Respect
Women leaders in business can’t expect to be best friends with every staff member or colleague. Being liked is nice – but it’s not the goal. Strive to keep the professional distance needed to win at work.
Walk the talk and you will earn respect for your actions and results.
Rule 8: Be Decisive
Being strong enough to make a tough call earns you respect. Being afraid, unsure, and indecisive shows weakness and won’t get you far in business.
When asked for your opinion or recommendation, don’t “qualify” your words by capitulating or telling people what others have said or done, or about an article you read that said you should do things a certain way. They only care what you think. Commit to being more decisive and taking action.
Take a stance and have the grit necessary to deal with the consequences of your decisions, whether good or bad. Be ready to give the facts, get buy-in, and take a stand.
Rule 9: Be Competitive
Bring your “A” game. Identify a strategic mindset and maintain your competitive edge. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t be afraid to be aggressive and assertive to get what you want. And I do not mean that being ruthless is a virtue – it’s not. And neither is being a doormat.
Rule 10: Nurture Your Network
Ask any man what his most precious business asset is, and most, if not all, will say his network. Develop a network of successful professional men and women who can help you learn how to think and act like a leader.
Break Out and Get Ready to Define Success on Your Own Terms
Women can’t allow imaginary lines to determine how far they will go in their careers. Although we do live and work in a male-dominated society – for now – understanding your strengths and how to lead with them can help you break through to new heights in business.
If you are working for others, then find a business that deserves your skill set and will help develop you to your fullest. And if down the road you decide you are ready to start your own business, then make sure that you are a leader worth following and an employer that the best and brightest women and men want to work with!
Business Leadership, Personal Development