How a woman can thrive in a male-dominated workplace ?

Hi Gyulyay,

This is an issue in which you have to be very careful as to how you 'play your cards'. Not knowing all the specifics of this case I can give you general advice on how to make the situation better: 

1. Communication in the workplace is everything, the lack of it is usually the number one reason for issues like that to rise. Try to talk to your team about the issue you are facing - take the lead in putting that issue out in the open. This is because they might not even realize what they are doing and how you feel. Once they know they might change their behaviors. 

2. If you do not feel comfortable with that (which is totally normal), talk to the shareholders. Share your worries with them and suggest you have a team-building experience of some kind, or a workshop on communication strategies; however, ask them to not put you in the spotlight as the person who went to them for that.

3. Because often (always) it is very hard to change others and their behaviors, try and change your way of participating, and look at the situation from a different angle. For instance, if you don't agree with something say it multiple times if you have to. If you think you have a better idea push it forward. If there is a discussion or conflict don't step easily out of it but learn how to handle the situation with confidence.

Keep in mind that as the only woman in your team you can bring ideas different from all the men's, so show confidence when you express those.

 

I very much hope that helps you even a little bit. It is very general as I don't know details and where exactly the problem is coming from. I am sure you can change the situation to your advantage if you take action. 

Good luck!

Lilyana

Hi Gyulyay, 

That is a great challenge and definitely bigger than a project because it requires a constant, multilayer mindset and behaviours work and training.

I have faced those challenges raised in the insurance industry and the legal industry.

Basically, there is plenty of advice from coaches, but what I have seen working and equally assimilated by male and female professionals is the Sponsorship. (I have recently met Cecilia Harvey and she was discussing exactly that problem and how she works towards solving it).

*Note: The sponsorship differs from mentorship, but you can read about it in detail.

 

There are 3 main elements in the Sponsorship:

1. The Sponsor- Your sponsor will be a person who wants to pay it forward for what he/she has achieved and he/she will want to keep cultivating and retaining talent in the company.

Your Sponsor will offer not just vision but also the tactical means of realizing it.

Your Sponsor will coach you on the performance and point a spotlight on you so that everyone takes note of your abilities and potential.

Note for you: You can have more than one sponsor.

 

2. The Protégé (you)- You need to understand who are the key stakeholders within your company and hence potential sponsors that can influence your career. 

Your job will be to ask for career guidance, feedback, and stretch assignments.

 

3. Finding Each Other -  Your Sponsor/s will seek out exceptional performers. You as a protégé will scan the horizon for leaders who embody your values or value your strengths.

Some companies use HR to establish the sponsorship programme, but if that is not the case with your company- you can still find the sponsor that you want to help you with your career.

 

Here are the main benefits that will come out of sponsorship:

• Engagement and retention are improved as up and coming staff members feel that they are being cultivated and nurtured;
• Senior management can have an active role in identifying talent and positioning high potential staff to be future leaders;
• Sponsors get the opportunity to develop their own leadership skills.

 

Hope that will help you to make your mind. I am a true believer that male and female contribute in a different way to the work environment and sponsorship is a great way to thrive without the need to behave like a man.

Marieta