Career
3 Tips To Help You Compete in a Man’s World
Are you accidentally sabotaging your chances for a promotion? Find out…
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?
Tina Scott
OMG! I was thinking about this, and damn, this is all right.
Kimberly Henderson
It’s worthless if you study hard, and you will just live your life like what most men want you to live it. It is your life, and don’t let men underestimate your capabilities.
Carol Clark
Wow. I didn’t know that I am missing a lot of chances because I am stuck doing someone’s job.
Jennifer Martin
For me, working with men is great. They treat me as one of them, but they still respect me as a woman. When it comes to work, we are just fine. We do our job, and that’s it. If someone gets promoted, we celebrate.
Ann Phillips
Haha! I remember the time when I was just starting my career in the corporate world. I was young and dumb. whenever they tell me to do their job, I grab it because why not? Maybe my boss will notice me, but I realized that I was a fool. My co-workers are getting their promotions, while I am stuck in my position. Luckily, a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice. Never ever get someone’s work because it is their job, and the credits will be theirs.
Andrea Wright
It means I should use my relationship to others? Is it too much? Will I use someone for my own sake?
Patricia Butler
Thank for the tips, Urbanette! I am aiming for a promotion, and this will be helpful!
Betty Young
The reason why I don’t do someone’s work. Hello? It is their job, and not mine. ?
Irene Evans
We don’t need to work twice as hard as men because there are things that women are better than men.
Susan Cook
Great tips for people who are aiming for promotions! Yay!