Kenneth Paul Lewis, Director, Seven People Systems Pvt. Ltd. guides us through the workplace challenges women need to address in order to succeed
Assertiveness: It is easy for women to be railroaded if they haven't learned to express themselves in a way that will ensure that they are heard. You have to learn to stand your ground and speak your mind. This doesn't mean talking louder or talking more often, it simply means formatting what you're saying in an easy-to-understand yet non-toxic manner and expressing yourself clearly enough so that people can hear and feel what you're saying. Do remember that focusing on the issue and avoiding blame are crucial in any discussion. An effective way to be assertive is to use the broken-record method, where you repeatedly say what you feel about a situation and what you need to happen in different ways in a conversation.
Collaboration: Being able to collaborate across levels, both lateral and vertical, is important for you to succeed. You have to be open to work freely with the opposite gender; whilst knowing where to draw the line. A lot of women may be hesitant to approach male managers; which could hamper growth potential and the opportunities that come your way. Male bosses also tend to sugarcoat the feedback they give to female subordinates to avoid hurting their feelings; this may not be very conducive to growth. Gender stereotyping notwithstanding, collaboration is essential for anyone to succeed, so be a professional first and put your career before your “what will people say” fears.
Challenging and Breaking Stereotypes: Challenge and stand-up to stereotypes, when you see them at work or play. More importantly refrain from indulging in judging or stereotyping people yourself. Maybe you can't change the whole world in day or even a decade; but you can change how you treat people and how people treat you in the circles that you live and work in. Make sure that you yourself look at men and women as equals, and are not assigning tasks based on gender rather than capability. The notions that travelling jobs are not meant for women are a myth, and you know it. It should not always be the woman who is sacrificing by walking away from assignments or tasks that would demand more time away from home. Involve your family in discovering ways to manage the home whilst you're away; you may be pleasantly surprised by how supportive they could be.
Safety: Given the complex times we live in it is vital that you know and understand where the law stands when it come to workplace harassment of women. Read the The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION and REDRESSAL) Act, 2013 and other relevant laws on The National Women's Commission Website (http://ncw.nic.in). Find out what provisions your organisation has made for women's safety and security and figure out how the complaint redressal system works. Knowledge is power. You have the power to stand up against any discriminatory behaviour or remarks towards women.
And, the next time you hear the words, “This is not a woman’s job”! Challenge it.
As told to Averil Nunes
Kenneth Paul Lewis is a Learning and Development Professional, Organizational Effectiveness Consultant, Success Coach and Entrepreneur. He has provided his expert services to more than 100 organizations in India, South Asia and Australia. In his spare time he writes poetry, learns a new-thing every day and is promoting strategies to create equitable workforces in Corporate India.
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