Working in a male-dominated industry comes with its own set of challenges, however, if you learn how to work with your strengths you can use those challenges and make them your strengths as a woman.
Women are marking their success in almost every professional field, but still, most of the industrial sectors are dominated by males. Gender discrimination is still prevailing in the workplace; organizations are trying to overcome it but this can’t be done in a day. In the US, 20% of software developers are women. Tech is still a notoriously sexist field: a recent study claims that “more than a third of tech industry employees have experienced or witnessed sexism.”
There are cultural barriers that sometimes prevent women from being in executive roles. There is a stereotype that women can’t be as good a leader as men and they can’t work at higher-level positions effectively. However, we have to work together as women to fight these stereotypes by first recognizing that the problem is there and finding ways to deal with it.
Women who are employed in male-dominated industries face a variety of challenges each day such as lack of support and not having a voice. All women can, and should, make their voices heard, we can upend the gender imbalances that exist across numerous fields as women.
Know that if you are working in a male-dominated industry you will face some challenges, but you should know how to overturn those challenges.
Here are some tips to help you thrive in a male-dominated industry.
Be Expressive
You are confident and you have to express your ideas, thoughts, and opinions on every matter instead of being silent so that people notice you. As a woman, you can’t be meek when you are in meetings with males and you have something of value or importance to say. If you take the role of having a voice you will get more respect in the meetings that you are apart of. Also, always be confident in your tone and let your voice be heard.
Build Strong Relationships With Everyone
You should set a goal from the start to build a healthy relationship with your colleagues, even upper management. Your hard work, along with your strong association, will be helpful for your success within the company. At meetings or events, you should try to interact with more and more people and network. Consider that your male colleagues may be more reluctant to start a conversation or friendship with you. So, take the first step by inviting them for a drink or coffee. It will help you to make your supporters in the office.
Find a Mentor and Be a Mentor.
Search for a mentor who you can trust to guide and help you. The person who inspires you and whose in a position that you aspire to be in can help save you time in reaching your goals. Listen to them and don’t be afraid to ask questions and get guidance because they have been in your shoes. You should always be ready to help others. As you want a mentor so you should also be a mentor for others, especially women in your office, by supporting them so that they can succeed as well.
Don’t be a pleaser
Some ladies think that by pleasing others, they will be noticed, and it will help them to get a promotion soon. It’s good to be friendly with others, but remember, getting coffee for someone, or doing things outside of the scoop of your position isn’t your job. Trust your skills.
Handle conflict with positivity
Instead of avoiding conflict, you should face it head-on. Communicate in a positive way that way no one feels insecure or inadequate. Communication is key to handling conflict because you need to make sure that all sides of the equation are understood. Having a great work environment that’s always positive and professional can help minimize conflict. Approach problems with an attitude of problem-solving and calm.
Stand Out From The Rest
If you are working in an organization where the majority of the workers are male, then you have to work a bit harder to create your own identity. Make decisions that you think will work the best and have faith in your decisions. Don’t believe for one moment that standing in the shadows and blending in with everyone is going to benefit you on your career path. If you want to stand out and be bold you must portray a certain level of confidence each day. It will be beneficial if you were to find other females who were previously working in the same organization as you.
She can be of great assistance to guide you on the culture of the company. Also if you speak to someone who has been in your position, chances are she’s dealt with all of the things you are currently experiencing. She can let you know about the challenges that you will be facing in your position.
Build Positive Alliances with Employees
You have to work hard to build a positive alliance with your male coworkers, superiors, and subordinates. As there comes a factor of male ego to accept a woman having dominance over them or being at an equal level. Try to participate in discussions and meetings to build a positive work relationship with them.
Be Patient and Empathetic
Women have to be patient enough as they will be facing a lot of hurdles while being in a male-dominated industry. Also, be empathetic enough to understand the situation and feelings of others as it is really hard for them to adapt to the situation.
Set Your Limits and Boundaries
It is good to communicate and to build informal relationships with coworkers, but being a woman, you have to set your boundaries and make sure they respect your word.
Keep on Going
Set your goals regularly and try to accomplish them. Split your long-term goals into shorter ones, and set deadlines to achieve them.
It is really hard to strive and succeed in a male-dominated industry but it is not impossible. Never settle for less and keep pushing for what you want to accomplish. Try to break the stereotype and be positive throughout your journey. Right now women have been given the opportunity to run for government offices, head multinational companies and even invent new technologies. Despite the level of success achieved, women still faced some challenges in some dominant male industries. It’s up to us to come together and solve these issues as one. Join our new movement of women coming together in one space. Our new app was built to get the conversation started on important topics like this for women.