5 Tips to Help Women Thrive in the Workplace
October 5, 2020 Collaj
Filed under The Workplace
By Gloria Martinez —
While women have made significant gains when it comes to equality in professional opportunities, they still face many challenges in the workplace. This is especially true for women working in male-dominated industries. While there are some barriers to success that you cannot control, taking action to position yourself as a strong and confident employee can help you overcome these hurdles and get ahead.
There are plenty of places online where you can find resources focused on finding success as a working professional including Collajmag.com, which is a great source of actionable advice and information for working men and women of all ages. With that in mind, here are some of the top tips to help you achieve your professional dreams as a career-driven woman.
Keep Learning
One of the best ways to advance your career is to embrace lifelong learning. Industries and organizations are constantly changing to keep up with technological advancements and shifting economies, and professional workers have to adopt new skills quickly. Join industry-specific newsletters, learn about new innovations in your field, self-teach with the help of video tutorials, and consider seeking advanced training or education. For example, if you want to use your skills to teach others, you could enroll in an online university like WGU to pursue a teaching license in your state.
Manage Perfectionism
While being a perfectionist may sound like a positive trait, research suggests that perfectionism leads to more negative emotions like anxiety, guilt, and envy. Women are more likely to strive for perfection in every aspect of life, work included. Striving for perfection can lead to harsh self-criticism and self-doubt, but it can also eat up your time and hold you back from your goals. Learn how to hone your perfectionism and use it in a positive way. When you find yourself meticulously stressing over every detail of a project, take a step back. Would your time be better spent on something else?
Learn to Say ‘No’
According to Thrive Global, women are more likely than men to be people-pleasers, but like perfectionism, this trait can harm your mental health and get in the way of your professional success. In a professional setting, being a “yes” woman can mean taking on too much and hurting your ability to focus on the projects that really matter. Practice saying “no” more often. While you may feel uncomfortable or guilty about it, declining a work request or a social invitation is not rude. Turning down time-consuming tasks will help you manage your resources and stay on track with your goals.
Don’t Be Afraid to Seek Help
Confidence will get you far in your professional life, but it’s also important to be humble. Holding onto too much pride will hurt your ability to grow, learn new things, and advance your skills. Know when to seek the advice of others. Ask both men and women in your workplace for guidance if you’re stuck on a project or important decision, and try to be clear about the type of advice you’re after. Most importantly, remember to express your appreciation for the people who helped you. Solidifying good relationships in your professional network will go a long way in helping you meet your goals.
Ask for What You Want
Besides asking for help, you also have to ask for what you want. Studies show that men are more likely to advocate for themselves and ask for the compensation and incentives they think they deserve. Women are less likely to ask for a raise and when they do, they ask for about 30 percent less than their male colleagues. Be bold and speak up. Good work doesn’t always speak for itself, so you’ll have to be vocal about what you want and why you deserve the pay, projects, or position you’re after. What’s the worst that could happen?
Even today, being a woman in the workplace isn’t always easy. Women still face a constant battle against stereotypes, gender norms, and pay inequalities in their professional lives. Learn how to go after what you want and develop the confidence you need to pursue your goals, and you’re bound to find success in any career!
About the Contributor
Gloria started Women Led to celebrate the advancements women have made and inspire women to become entrepreneurs and seek promotions in the workplace.
Further reading
