There’s an old saying that women have to work twice as hard as men to get half as much. While this may have some truth to it, there are things that you may be doing –without realizing it– that limit your upward mobility at work.
Women have come a long way in the workplace. We have fought for the right to work alongside men, the right to be paid the same as them and the right to be treated with respect. There’s no reason why we can’t compete like a man. The question is: why don’t we?
Part of the answer lies in the fact that women unknowingly undermine their credibility and sabotage their careers. In other words, it’s not just the men in HR ruining our chance for a promotion; we do it to ourselves too.
If you find yourself repeatedly being skipped over for a promotion, the following top three mistakes that women make at work might help:
Working too hard
Women often complain that they do more work compared to other people. The truth is no one was ever promoted by hard work alone. According to Frankel, likeability, networking skills, and strategic thinking are some of the other factors needed to grow into a successful career. Instead of working hard all day, skipping lunch and breaks, give yourself permission to “waste” a little time. Spend at least five percent of your day building relationships.
Doing the work of others
Women tend to take responsibility for not only their work, but also the work of others. There’s only one problem with this: while we’re busy doing the grunt work, men are busy building their careers. Promotions are rewarded for a job done, not doing the job. Stop volunteering for low profile assignments. They won’t only zap your time, but also won’t improve your career. Try not to let others delegate their work to you. Practice saying “I’d love to, but I’m just swamped.” There’s no need to explain further. It’s their job, not yours.
Failing to capitalize on relationships
Men rely on relationships to open doors for them. Women view it as taking advantage of a friendship or business partner. You’d trust a referral from one of your business associates, then why wouldn’t the door swing the other way? When in doubt, ask permission to use a colleague’s name. For example, “I’m trying to set up a meeting with George Smith. Would it be all right if I mention that I know you?” See how easy that was?
Haha! I love this article. When it comes to work, men are the superior, but when it comes to love, you are the superior.
Hahaha! What a move there! well, I don’t know what to feel in your comment.
You don’t have to compete with us, men. We respect women, and as much as possible, we don’t want any competition in the both sex. We both have our strengths and weaknesses, and if I were you, use them.
I am a fresh graduate, and I am looking for a job in the corporate world. I am currently working at a fast food chain as a part-time while looking for the perfect job for me. Men at my work are kind of competitive, and they can work better than us, but I know that it is because fast food chains are more on the physical job.
My boss prefers working with women. He said that working with women is easier than working with men.
When it comes to physical work, men are better, but when it comes to an office job, I think women win that phase.
Wow. I agree with this! I always blame the others on my failure, but I never blame myself. I always think that I did everything, and that is their fault, but I guess it is always my fault, and not theirs.
Have you seen a man who makes coffee for his boss? I’ve never seen any man who does that. The male boss will instruct his female secretary to make coffee.
Yeah, I noticed that too. In movies or any shows, women are most likely the coffee maker.
Women, let’s prove them that we deserve to be treated equally! There are men in our office who treats women like a trash. Let’s stand for our rights!
In my workplace, I salute my women co-workers because they are very competitive. Some of my men co-workers are afraid to them. I can say that most of them are better than me or my male co-workers.
There are jobs that women can’t-do, especially if it needs physical attribution. But, as long as the women can do the job, especially office works, don’t underestimate them. They might be women, but they can be the smartest.
There is no job any women can’t do, that’s just how we were educated to think. There are men weaker than women and the contrary. Women did everything, there is nothing anyone can’t do.