In February I did part two of my guest blogging for Inspire Midtown. This piece explores the age of the #BossBabe and how you can maximize being a kick ass working woman in a man's world. Men, great piece for you to read as well. Nothing is hotter than a man who is educated and believes in equality! Enjoy my Sequins!
The age of the Boss Babe is finally here. The Girl Boss, the Lady Boss – whatever you call it, it’s finally being represented in all types of media: books, television, social media, heck even Disney is on this bandwagon now! But as great as it is to see representation of fierce women in business in the world today – we’ve still got a long way to go before we can talk about equality.
In the workplace, I am a woman in a man’s world. I’m in a world filled with 98% men and it’s brutal. I’ve been told to wear the low-cut tops and high heels to attend a meeting with all men. I’ve been asked who I’m sleeping with in the office because it’s often assumed working in sports that I’ve slept with quite the list of professional athletes. So how do I navigate the world at work? How do I artfully combat the boys club that is most certainly alive and well? Megyn Kelly said it best, often to speak up “is a suicide mission.” How do I maintain my positive friendly demeanor while making sure my fierceness and my talents are thoroughly respected?
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it forever more: become actively involved in the movement. In order for women to thrive and to continue to evolve in the workplace, we need to act. I highly suggest writing down your values and taking this plan into account with every professional move you make.
1. Create Your Brand and Own Your Brand
Like any company or product, you are a brand. Decide what you want your brand to represent and own that. Always act in a way that reinforces what that brand is. Once you know who you are in the business world, own it. Be consistent in that brand. Be proud of that brand. Promote it shamelessly. Showcase why your brand is worth having on a team. Be a brand that is hard to forget.
2. Think Equally and Be Strategic
Men aren’t scared to take credit. They aren’t scared to challenge an opinion. They aren’t scared to stand up for themselves and ask for what they deserve. Men take the leadership role. They don’t get called bossy. Women should have the same mindset.Train yourself to think equally. To think about YOU and your professional growth. Don’t be a jerk, but don’t ever back off because you’re expected to be dainty or quiet. Go out there and prove yourself and then ask for what you deserve. This will require you to be exceptionally tough. This requires thick skin. It will be hard if you’re a more sensitive person, but I can promise you it will not only empower you, it will validate your worth. Remember, business is a strategy.
3. Be Ever Evolving
Be flexible. Be adaptable. Be ever evolving to the needs of your industry. Men are constantly reading business books, attending trainings, asking mentors to take them under their wing. Do the same. Be open to feedback. And be able to reject that feedback if it’s based in sexist undertones. Men don’t let those things get to them. They use it to fuel their fire. Do the same. Be a mentor. Give back to the next generation and teach equality at work. Do not ever stop being open to growth.
4. Set Boundaries and Speak Up
Be very clear in your words and actions. Set boundaries for yourself and for others. If you want to be treated as an equal, do not allow sexist behavior to occur in your presence.Make it known in a professional way that you’re uncomfortable with any gestures, words, and actions that are demeaning or foster sexist attitudes. If you are asking for equality and laugh at sexist jokes or allow inappropriate actions, you’re defeating yourself. It’s not always easy to stand up against these words and actions but if you don’t create those boundaries early on, nobody will respect you down the road when you claim they’re not okay.
5. Never Compromise Yourself
Lastly, never be afraid to walk away. I left a job because I stood up for myself and what was right. I knew that speaking out was going to get me in hot water. But I also recognized that staying in an unhealthy environment where I was thought of as less than because I am a woman wasn’t going to further my career. I chose not to compromise my values, and thus I spoke up.It was a huge, terrifying risk, but in the end, it allowed me to grow and made me better. I have gained more opportunities by being true to myself and most of all, myself.
Having a plan is invigorating. Being able to tailor that plan to your unique personality is empowering. And putting that plan into action is progress. It’s progress towards equality and its creating opportunities for the future women of the world. Once you’re able to create who you are in the workplace – professional, powerful, thriving, dream achieving you – and stick to that plan – you’re ready to take that skill and share it with your peers. Because at the end of the day, the package you put forth in the world is your super power. It’s a super power that influences opinions, is a source of guidance to others, and it’s changing the world. As tough as it can often be to be a woman at work, it can also be an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to write your own story and to contribute to what being a woman today means. Personally, I’m passionate about contributing to that story and I hope you are to.
And make sure you check out Inspire Midtown (www.inspiremidtown.com) for more awesome knowledge and inspiration about equality!